Sacked Prisons Officer Ampe Joins NUP, Salutes Bobi Wine as ‘President of Uganda,’ Warns State Wants Him Dead

Just a day after being dismissed from the Uganda Prisons Service, former prisons officer Lawrence Ampe has made a dramatic political move, officially stepping into opposition politics today after being unveiled as a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) by party president and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine.

The surprise unveiling happened as Bobi Wine continued his campaign tour of the Teso sub-region, turning what had already been a high-energy political drive into a moment of major political significance. For Ampe, the moment marked a sharp and symbolic transition—from a state security officer bound by uniform and regulation to a vocal political activist openly aligned with Uganda’s leading opposition movement.

Bobi Wine has been traversing the Teso region since Tuesday and is scheduled to address rallies in Ngora District today before proceeding to neighbouring Bukedea District. The opposition leader’s visit has drawn large crowds, and Ampe’s public defection is expected to further energise supporters on the ground. Shortly after his unveiling, Ampe confirmed that he would immediately hit the campaign trail alongside the NUP leader.

On Friday, Ampe announced that he would be in Ngora to actively mobilise voters and campaign for Kyagulanyi’s presidential bid.

“Tomorrow (Saturday), I will be in Ngora to officially campaign for Kyagulanyi’s presidential bid and urge my friends in the Etesot community to vote wisely, choosing leaders who prioritize our region’s development and Uganda’s progress,” Ampe posted on X.

“As a concerned citizen, I’m excited to rally support for a candidate who embodies the values of integrity, justice, and people-centered governance. Let’s unite for a brighter future,” he added.

Ampe’s entry into active politics comes in the immediate aftermath of his dismissal from the Uganda Prisons Service, a move authorities reportedly took after he publicly declared support for Bobi Wine and criticised senior government officials over alleged corruption, human rights violations, and the mistreatment of junior prison officers.

His dismissal has triggered intense debate both within security circles and the wider public. Supporters view his sacking as retaliation for speaking out, while critics argue it exposes growing intolerance toward dissenting voices within state institutions.

Following his removal from service, Ampe framed the decision as part of what he described as a wider struggle for “national liberation,” urging Ugandans to remain committed to political change regardless of the personal consequences.

As he takes on a more visible political role, Ampe has also raised concerns about his safety, warning that he could be targeted by security operatives.

“I want to state that any lawful arrest related to my acts of liberation won’t distress me. However, I’m aware that they might abduct me under the guise of arrest, as they’ve done before,” Ampe wrote in a social media post on Saturday morning.

Despite the fears, the former prisons officer struck a defiant tone, insisting that intimidation would not weaken his resolve.

“Let it be known that such actions won’t deter me from fighting for what’s right. I’m prepared for whatever comes next. My resolve remains unbroken,” he added.

Ugandan law bars serving members of the armed and uniformed forces from engaging in partisan political activity, a rule intended to ensure political neutrality within the security services. Officers are required to refrain from openly supporting political parties or candidates while still in active service.

However, Ampe’s dismissal—followed almost immediately by his unveiling as a NUP member—has reignited debate over what critics describe as selective enforcement of these laws. Opposition supporters argue that officers suspected of backing opposition figures face swift punishment, while several members of the security forces have openly campaigned for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni without facing similar disciplinary measures.

As Bobi Wine presses on with rallies in Ngora and Bukedea today, Ampe’s dramatic political entry is expected to further intensify national debate around freedom of expression, political neutrality within security agencies, and the personal cost of dissent in Uganda’s increasingly charged political landscape.