Dismissed Prison Officer Lawrence “Cop Ampe” Released on Bond in Cyber Crime Case
KIREKA – Dismissed Uganda Prisons Service warder Lawrence Ampe, widely known on social media as “Cop Ampe,” was released on police bond on February 5, 2026, following his arrest on cyber crime charges. This development adds a new chapter to his public fallout with the prison authorities after his dismissal late last year.
Ampe was released from the Kireka detention facility after a surety, Kemisembe Julian, committed to ensuring his appearance before authorities. The police bond form cites a cyber crime offence under reference CRB 1311/2025.
His arrest and subsequent release are the latest events in a controversy that began in December 2025, when the Uganda Prisons Service officially dismissed Ampe. A message from the Commissioner General of Prisons confirmed the dismissal, effective December 9, 2025, citing a resolution by the Prisons Council. He was directed to hand over all government property in his possession.
Ampe, formerly attached to Ngora Prison in Eastern Uganda, drew national attention for using his personal TikTok and X accounts to level serious allegations against the prisons service. He accused the institution of human rights violations against both inmates and staff.
In his posts, which went viral, he also made politically charged criticisms, targeting the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, and highlighting issues like poor roads. He specifically claimed that Ngora Prison underwent superficial renovations ahead of a visit by President Yoweri Museveni.
Following the social media activity, Ampe stated he was removed from duty and faced an internal tribunal. He stood by his comments, saying, “I have been speaking the truth and fighting for the freedom of inmates and staff.” He also alleged that continuing to receive a salary while barred from work was a form of corruption intended to silence him.
The Uganda Prisons Service, in a statement by spokesperson Senior Commissioner Frank Baine Mayanja, said Ampe’s actions amounted to gross indiscipline and violated the Public Service Code of Conduct. The service emphasized that due process was followed and warned officers against misusing communication devices.
The case has drawn political commentary, with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) condemning the dismissal. He accused the government of double standards and stated that Ampe was punished for exposing abuses. Bobi Wine pledged that a future National Unity Platform government would build a non-partisan security sector.
Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the specific nature of the cyber crime charges against Ampe.
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