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A former Uganda Prisons officer, Lawrence Ampe, has spoken out strongly after being dismissed from his job for publicly criticizing the government on social media. Ampe, who was stationed at Ngora Prison, was fired following a series of TikTok posts in which he spoke about corruption and governance issues in the country. Despite losing his job, he says he remains determined to stay active in national politics.
Ampe has since vowed to campaign openly for National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. He insists that his dismissal has only strengthened his resolve to fight for what he believes is a better future for Uganda. According to Ampe, speaking out was a moral decision driven by concern for the direction the country is taking.
In several statements shared on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Ampe accused the government of failing to deal decisively with corruption. He called on Ugandans to unite and demand transparency, accountability, and justice from their leaders. He argued that silence in the face of corruption only allows the problem to grow deeper.
Ampe explained that his decision to criticize the government did not come lightly. He said he thought about the consequences but felt that remaining silent would be a betrayal of his conscience. According to him, citizens have a responsibility to speak out when leadership fails to serve the people.
The former prison officer announced that he would travel to Ngora on Saturday to campaign for Kyagulanyi’s presidential bid. He said his mission is to mobilize voters across the Teso sub-region and encourage them to actively participate in shaping the country’s future through the ballot.
While addressing residents of the region, Ampe urged them to “vote wisely” and choose leaders who prioritize development, fairness, and national unity. He emphasized that leadership should be about service, not personal gain, and called for leaders who understand the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Ampe described himself as a committed public servant who believes deeply in the rule of law and respect for human rights. He said his years in the Uganda Prisons Service exposed him to realities that shaped his political views and strengthened his belief in justice and equality.
He noted that his experience in the security sector gave him a deeper understanding of how state institutions should operate. According to Ampe, the Constitution must be respected at all times, and all citizens should be treated equally before the law.
The former officer stressed that upholding the Constitution is critical for Uganda’s stability, especially during political transitions. He warned that ignoring constitutional principles could lead to instability and unrest in the future.
Ampe also made a direct appeal to security personnel across the country. He urged them to act with professionalism and restraint during political activities, reminding them that they serve the people and not individual interests.
He called on officers to respect civilians and avoid using excessive force. According to him, wearing a uniform should not remove one’s sense of humanity or ability to think independently.
Ampe emphasized that deployment should never be an excuse for violating human rights. He urged security officers to remember their oath and to always act within the law, regardless of political pressure.
Addressing concerns about his personal safety, Ampe said he is prepared for any lawful arrest connected to his political activism. However, he strongly warned against illegal arrests and abductions disguised as lawful procedures.
He said intimidation and threats would not silence him or force him to abandon his cause. According to Ampe, fear should not be used as a tool to suppress voices calling for change.
Ampe maintained that he is mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges ahead. He said his decision to step into active politics was not driven by anger but by a desire to contribute positively to the nation.
In a move aimed at clearing any doubts about his conduct, Ampe revealed that he has handed over all government-issued items to the Uganda Prisons Service. He said the handover was done through the Officer in Charge of Ngora Prison.
Although he did not receive formal handover documents, Ampe stated that he has audio recordings and photographs as proof that the process was completed. He said this was important to protect himself against future accusations.
Ampe insisted that he wants to leave the service with integrity, despite the circumstances of his dismissal. He said accountability matters, even when one feels unfairly treated.
He further stated that his fight is not against individuals but against systems that allow corruption and injustice to thrive. According to him, Uganda deserves leadership that listens to the people and addresses their real concerns.
As he prepares to campaign in Ngora and beyond, Ampe says his message will focus on unity, justice, and peaceful change. He believes that Uganda’s future depends on informed citizens who are willing to stand up for their rights.
For Lawrence Ampe, losing his job has marked the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of his voice. He says he will continue to speak out, campaign, and mobilize Ugandans until the country achieves the transparency and accountability he believes it deserves.
Ampe also addressed young people, urging them not to lose hope in the political process. He said the youth are the most affected by unemployment, corruption, and poor governance, yet they have the greatest power to bring change through unity and voting. He encouraged them to register, turn up on voting day, and reject leaders who thrive on division and fear.
He further criticized what he described as the misuse of state institutions to silence dissenting voices. According to Ampe, when public servants are punished for expressing genuine concerns, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of society. He warned that such actions weaken democracy and discourage honest citizens from participating in national discussions.
Ampe said his political engagement will remain peaceful and lawful. He emphasized that his goal is not to incite violence but to inspire dialogue and awareness among Ugandans. He added that real change can only come through nonviolent means, respect for the law, and active citizen participation.
As public debate around his dismissal continues, Ampe’s story has sparked wider discussions about freedom of expression, professionalism within the security services, and the role of public servants in national politics. For many, his case has become a symbol of the growing tension between state authority and citizens demanding accountability and reform.
