The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has issued a stern warning to its recently dismissed officer, Lawrence Ampe, urging him to cease his public criticisms of the institution and government, or risk arrest on defamation charges.

Ampe, a former warder at Ngora Prison in eastern Uganda, was sacked last month for what authorities described as “gross indiscipline” stemming from his TikTok videos criticizing senior officials.

Ampe had been under investigation since mid-2025 over a series of social media posts where he accused senior UPS officials of corruption, human rights abuses—including mistreatment of inmates and junior staff—and other misconduct.

In one widely shared video, he addressed fellow officers, saying: “Even my fellow officers who call me advising me to stop know that I speak the truth. When they lock themselves inside their rooms, they know this country is not moving on the right path.”

Following his dismissal, effective December 9, 2025, as confirmed by the Prisons Council under Minute Number 26.1 of 2025, Ampe shared his dismissal letter on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

He captioned it defiantly: “I’m finally out, free to support truth.”

In subsequent videos, he urged Ugandans not to worry about his job loss, emphasizing: “What we’re doing isn’t about money, it’s about liberating our nation.”

Ampe has since aligned with the opposition National Unity Platform – NUP led by Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, and has appeared at rallies, including in Ngora district, to mobilize support.

Bobi Wine condemned the dismissal, stating: “For using social media to expose the abuse of human rights, corruption, abuse of power, oppression of lower ranking officers and other evils within the Uganda Prisons Service, officer Ampe Lawrence has been rewarded with a dismissal!”

He highlighted perceived double standards, noting that pro-ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM security officers often express partisan views without repercussions.

The latest development came during a UPS press briefing on January 5, 2026, where spokesperson Frank Baine addressed Ampe’s continued outspokenness.

Baine warned that Ampe remains bound by the Uganda Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics, even after dismissal.

“I’m not saying he’ll definitely be arrested, but just that the public service code still applies to him,” Baine stated.

“Dismissal isn’t an excuse to trash the government’s image. The long arm of the law still gets him.”

Baine further emphasized that Ampe’s ongoing “indiscipline” and attacks on prison officials would not be tolerated, advising him to “toe the line” and refrain from further media engagements that could lead to legal action, including on defamation grounds.

This case highlights tensions over free speech, political neutrality for public servants, and social media use in Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections. UPS regulations prohibit officers from partisan politics, unauthorized media communications, or actions damaging the institution’s image.

Ampe’s supporters view his treatment as evidence of suppressed dissent, while authorities maintain it is a matter of enforcing discipline in security services.

As of now, no arrest has occurred, but the warning underscores the ongoing friction between state authority and individual expression in the country’s polarized political environment.