The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has cautioned its staff against the misuse of mobile phones and social media platforms following the circulation of TikTok videos by one of its officers, which authorities say amounted to gross indiscipline.

In a statement issued on November 7, 2025, UPS confirmed that the videos were made by No. 17974 Warder Ampe Lawrence of Uganda Prison Ngora, who appeared in several self-recorded clips commenting on various subjects without authorization.

According to the statement, the officer’s conduct violated the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Uganda Public Service, which prohibits officers from making public or media statements without official clearance. “A public officer shall not communicate with the media on issues related to work or official policy without due permission from the authorizing officer,” the release quoted.

Citing the Uganda Prisons Service Standing Orders, the institution emphasized that discipline is the cornerstone of the Service. 

“Discipline in the Prisons Service entails the observance and execution of one’s roles and obligations and demonstration of obedience to superiors and consideration for subordinates in accordance with the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics,” the statement read.

Uganda Prisons Service Spokesperson, Frank Baine Mayanja, said the institution is strictly following due process in handling the matter. 

“The Uganda Prisons Service is adhering to the due process of managing the case,” Baine stated, assuring the public that disciplinary measures are being enforced.

He further issued a warning to other officers, saying the Service will not hesitate to act against anyone who abuses digital platforms. 

“A strong warning goes to all those who intend to misuse their phones and or computer to be ready to face disciplinary action,” Baine cautioned.

Baine, who also serves as the Senior Commissioner of Prisons in charge of Cooperation and Corporate Affairs, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, saying officers must uphold the values of integrity, respect, and obedience expected of public servants.

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Over three million Ugandans are set to benefit from a new Shs169.5 billion ($48.7 million) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Business Plan launched by World Vision Uganda. The five-year initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, aims to provide inclusive and climate-resilient WASH services across 41 districts.

The plan was officially unveiled at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, drawing government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and financial institutions.

Jeremiah Nyagah, National Director of World Vision Uganda, described the initiative as a transformative roadmap to ensure every Ugandan has access to safe water and sanitation.

“Mapping the Blue Thread reflects our vision of a future where water, sanitation, and hygiene drive better health, safe learning environments, and lasting change,” Nyagah said. 

He stressed that partnerships between government, communities, and the private sector will be essential to achieving the plan’s goals.

Sustainability, Nyagah noted, requires collective effort. 

“From policy to implementation, everyone must play their part. Communities must also take ownership of these water systems,” he added.

To support transparency and track progress, World Vision plans to use digital tools such as M-Water, allowing real-time monitoring of interventions and enabling stakeholders to assess results at every stage.

Wilfred Komakech, WASH Programs Manager at World Vision Uganda, highlighted the plan’s ambitious targets. “We aim to provide safe water to over one million people, sanitation services to 1.1 million, and hygiene support to 1.2 million. The program will also reach 185 schools and 75 health facilities nationwide,” he said.

Komakech explained that the initiative is rooted in faith, community engagement, and innovation. It will be implemented in close partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and financial partners including ABSA Bank, Vision Fund, and Sanlam.

Delivering a message from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Kumi Municipality MP Silas Aogon described the launch as a milestone in Uganda’s journey toward universal access to clean water. He praised World Vision’s ongoing collaboration with government to improve lives and empower communities.

“Access to clean water and sanitation is the foundation of development. It improves health, education, and productivity, particularly for women and children,” Tayebwa’s message stated.

He added, “When communities have reliable water and sanitation services, children thrive, women are empowered, and disease burdens decrease.”

He also welcomed World Vision’s focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and digital monitoring, noting that these innovations will support evidence-based planning and long-term sustainability.

The 2026–2030 WASH Business Plan builds on the achievements of the 2021–2025 program, which expanded safe water access in districts including Buikwe and Kamwenge, promoted hygiene practices, and strengthened community ownership of water facilities.

That earlier program helped thousands of households, schools, and health centers access clean water, reducing disease outbreaks and improving quality of life.

With the new plan, World Vision Uganda aims to scale up its impact, expand innovative solutions, and accelerate progress toward universal access to water and sanitation by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned 498 officer cadets of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and allied countries of Intake 19/2025 at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta. 

The cohort included 10 from the United Republic of Tanzania, 40 from Somalia, 100 from the Central African Republic, and 20 from Mali.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, congratulated them on joining the army and reminded them of the institution’s rich history and values.

“You have been commissioned into UPDF, which is an army of warriors and heroes, and it is an army that is based on some principles,” he said.

He highlighted Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, professionalism and fitness as core principles, urging the officers to uphold them throughout their service.

“If you don’t have health, you cannot manage the army work as required,” he added.

The President recalled the historic Salim Saleh 170-kilometre trek in memory of the 1985 operation on Masindi Barracks, noting that the determination displayed during that mission forms the heritage the cadets now inherit.

On the recent attacks in the Rwenzori sub-region, the President applauded the UPDF for successful operations, where security forces repulsed attackers.

“I want to congratulate the CDF and UPDF for how recently they crushed those criminals who showed up in Kasese,” he said.

Museveni further welcomed the officer cadets from Tanzania, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Mali, emphasising Africa’s ability to develop strong armies without reliance on external powers.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, noted that this was the second officer commissioning ceremony in a month, highlighting the UPDF’s expanded training capacity.

“This is a testament to the UPDF’s improved training capacity, which is a crucial element of our overall national security posture,” he said.

He acknowledged the participation of officer cadets from partner African nations, reaffirming the UPDF’s role in strengthening peace and security across the continent.

On the ongoing political campaigns, Gen Kainerugaba said, “The political campaigns have so far proceeded smoothly, and we commend not only the security forces who are working around the clock to ensure we have a peaceful electoral process, but also the wanainchi who are thus far abiding by the independent electoral commission’s and Uganda police guidelines.”

However, he warned,“We must warn any candidate, presidential or otherwise, who continuously flouts the electoral commission’s guidelines and tries to provoke security forces that we shall not stand for it. This indiscipline must stop. The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that.”

In reference to the recent coordinated attacks in Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal, General Kainerugaba noted that security forces responded effectively.

Gen Kainerugaba said,“We thank the wanainchi for rallying to our side and strongly supporting our actions to defeat these criminals. We encourage them to maintain that spirit. All those who were captured will be arraigned before the courts to face the law.”

He noted that the recent security incidents in the western region served as a reminder that the country should not relax its guard even when the situation appears calm.

He emphasised the need for constant readiness, recalling the ancient Roman saying that those who desire peace must prepare for war, as he urged continued vigilance.

The Commandant of the Basic Military Training School, Brigadier General John Patrick, described the commissioning as a culmination of 36 weeks of rigorous training.

“These officer cadets stood on the verge of a demanding path and embraced the values of teamwork, leadership, patriotism, and service to the nation,” he said. 

He added,“They drew strength from one another and now represent the future of their militaries as a united and determined force,”

Brig Gen Otongo reminded the cadets that the journey to becoming a military officer is demanding and marked by challenges that only the most committed can overcome. He said these hardships have shaped the cadets into disciplined future commanders, ready to defend their countries with patriotism, courage and integrity.

He urged them to carry forward the lessons learned during training and to uphold the principles of their armed forces as they take on greater responsibilities.

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