My Life Is in Danger, Says Dismissed Prisons Officer Lawrence Ampe

Former Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) officer Lawrence Ampe, who was dismissed from service earlier this week, has expressed fear for his personal safety, claiming that his life is at risk following his removal from the force.

Ampe was dismissed for engaging in partisan politics after using his social media platforms to openly support the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. In several posts, he accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of lower-ranking prison officers.

Following his dismissal, Ampe joined Bobi Wine on the campaign trail in Ngora District on Friday, where the opposition leader held a rally.

On Sunday, Ampe said he feared possible abduction or harm, citing what he described as repression against dissenting voices.

“As a result of my recent dismissal from the Uganda Prisons Service for speaking out against corruption and human rights abuses, my life is at risk. Dictatorial forces may seek to silence me through abduction or worse, and I am in urgent need of support to ensure my safety and security,” Ampe posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

He added that due to these fears, he has been forced to abandon his home and livelihood in order to stay safe.

Ampe has since openly called for political change in Uganda and endorsed NUP’s “Break the Silence” campaign, a nationwide mobilization initiative aimed at rallying citizens to demand accountability and transparency from leaders.

“I fully endorse the National Unity Platform’s ‘Break Silence’ weekly campaign program, aimed at bringing about positive change in Uganda,” Ampe wrote, adding that the message of “A New Uganda Now” resonates with Ugandans seeking justice, equality, and freedom.

NUP plans to extend the campaign to Makindye East, Makindye West, Kalangala, Buvuma, and Mpigi in the coming week, where Bobi Wine is expected to hold rallies.

Ampe praised the campaign’s emphasis on civic engagement and national unity, stating that it inspires citizens to speak out on issues affecting the country.

Meanwhile, Bobi Wine has condemned Ampe’s dismissal, describing it as evidence of double standards within the security sector. He noted that some uniformed officers from other security agencies have publicly supported or campaigned for the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni without facing disciplinary action.

Ampe has not disclosed whether he will continue accompanying Bobi Wine on the campaign trail in the coming days.