Former Uganda Prisons Service warder at Ngora Prison in Eastern Uganda Lawrence Ampe has been released on police bond .
This came after the youthful warder turned political activist spent several weeks in detention over a cyber-related offence, as investigations continue into online activity that followed his dismissal for alleged partisan political engagement.
Ampe, who had been held at Kireka Police Station, walked free on Thursday as police said investigations into the case are still ongoing.
He is expected to report back to authorities when required.
His release comes months after the Uganda Prisons Service dismissed him from duty, accusing him of engaging in partisan politics and using social media platforms to criticise the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and senior government officials.
Ampe, who was attached to Ngora Prison, rose to public attention after regularly posting online commentary touching on governance, prison welfare, and national politics.
His posts attracted a significant following and sparked debate on the role of serving security officers in public discourse.
In a dismissal letter dated December 17, 2025, the Prisons Council resolved to terminate his service, citing breaches of regulations that prohibit serving officers from participating in political activities or making unauthorised public statements.
According to the letter addressed to the Officer in Charge of Ngora Prison, the dismissal took effect on December 9, 2025.
Before his arrest, Ampe had openly expressed sympathy for opposition politics, including remarks viewed as supportive of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
His online commentary, which frequently criticised the NRM and senior security leadership, divided public opinion, with some Ugandans praising him for speaking out on governance issues while others argued that members of disciplined forces must remain politically neutral.
Authorities later arrested Ampe and charged him under Uganda’s cyber crime laws. However, police have not publicly detailed the specific online actions that led to the charges.
Ampe has now been granted bond as investigations continue, bringing temporary relief to supporters while leaving unresolved questions about the scope and application of cyber crime laws in politically sensitive cases.