Uganda Prisons Officer Dismissed After Criticising Government on TikTok
A prison warder’s dismissal for “politicking in the wrong forum” has ignited a fierce debate over freedom of expression and political impartiality within Uganda’s security services, just weeks before critical national elections.
The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed officer Lawrence Ampe for allegedly using social media to criticise the government and engage in partisan politics. Ampe, a warder stationed at Ngora Prison, was informed of the dismissal through a Prisons Council resolution dated December 17, 2025, which took effect on December 9.
The decision has sparked significant public and political outcry, with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) condemning it as evidence of “systemic oppression” and double standards.
🔍 Grounds for Dismissal and Official Stance
The Prisons Service stated that Ampe violated regulations prohibiting public officers from political participation.
· The Official Charge: Prisons spokesman Frank Baine told the BBC that Ampe was dismissed for “politicking in the wrong forum.” He emphasized that standing orders do not allow public officers to participate in politics.
· Legal Basis: Authorities cited laws that prohibit public officers from communicating with the media on work-related or official policy matters without permission from superiors. The Commissioner General of Prisons has repeatedly warned security personnel to remain politically neutral, especially during election periods.
· Disciplinary Process: Ampe had been under investigation since at least November 2025, when he was summoned to appear before the Prisons Disciplinary Committee. Baine stated that Ampe did not show remorse during these proceedings.
📱 Ampe’s Social Media Activity and Response
Ampe reportedly operated a TikTok account under the name @COP Ampe, which attracted over 100,000 followers.
· Content of Criticisms: In his videos, Ampe accused senior government and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) officials of corruption, mismanagement, and self-enrichment. He also claimed to expose human rights abuses and the oppression of lower-ranking officers within the prison service.
· Defiance and Justification: In one widely shared clip, Ampe said, “Even my fellow officers who call me advising me to stop know that I speak the truth”. Following his dismissal, he posted the dismissal letter on TikTok with the caption: “I’m finally out free to support truth”.
· Personal Sacrifice: He urged Ugandans not to worry about his livelihood, stating, “What we are doing is not all about money but about liberating our nation”.
⚖️ Political Reaction and Allegations of Double Standards
The dismissal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and sparked a debate on selective enforcement of rules.
· Bobi Wine’s Condemnation: The National Unity Platform (NUP) president issued a strong statement in support of Ampe. He argued that the officer was punished for “choosing integrity over ‘safety'” and exposing evils within the prison system.
· Charges of Hypocrisy: Kyagulanyi highlighted a stark contrast, noting that military officers routinely express partisan support for President Museveni’s government in the media without facing discipline and are often rewarded with promotions. He framed this as a key feature of the “system of oppression”.
· Public and Civil Society Concern: The case has fueled broader public debate about freedom of expression, professionalism in the security forces, and the unequal application of disciplinary measures.
🗳️ Broader Context: Elections and Freedom of Expression
This incident occurs against a tense political backdrop and follows patterns of restricting criticism.
· Upcoming Elections: Uganda is preparing for presidential elections on January 15, where Bobi Wine is challenging President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years.
· Pattern of Restrictions: International reports have noted Uganda’s use of criminal punishments to restrict internet freedom. In a similar case from July 2024, a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for insulting the president and his family on TikTok.
· Historical Issues in Prisons: While not directly related to Ampe’s dismissal, reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch have documented serious challenges within the Uganda Prisons Service, including overcrowding, poor healthcare, and allegations of abuse. These are the kinds of systemic issues critics like Ampe claim to be highlighting.
The dismissal of Lawrence Ampe transcends a single personnel matter. It has become a lightning rod for contentious issues surrounding civil service neutrality, freedom of speech for public officials, and perceived partisan bias within state institutions. With the nation on the eve of a major electoral contest, this case underscores the intense and increasingly digital nature of political discourse in Uganda.
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