By Our Reporter
A Uganda Prisons Service officer has been dismissed from duty for what authorities describe as “gross indiscipline” after using social media platform TikTok to criticise the government and openly support opposition politics. Lawrence Ampe, a prisons officer based in eastern Uganda, was sacked following investigations into a series of TikTok videos in which he accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of lower-ranking prison officers.
Confirming the dismissal, Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine said the officer violated standing orders that prohibit public servants from engaging in political activities.
“The standing orders do not allow a public officer to participate in politics, which he has been doing openly. He was therefore dismissed for politicking in the wrong forum,” Baine told the Media 
According to a statement issued by the Prisons Council, the decision to dismiss Ampe was reached last Tuesday, and he was ordered to hand over all government property in his possession.
Mr Baine added that Ampe did not show remorse when he appeared before the disciplinary committee.
Ampe later shared his dismissal letter on his TikTok account, which has more than 100,000 followers, captioning it: “I’m finally out, free to support the truth.” In subsequent videos, he said he was unbothered by the loss of his job, urging Ugandans not to worry about his livelihood.
“What we are doing is not all about money, but about liberating our nation,” Ampe said, adding that he would continue using social media to expose corruption and encourage patriotism.
The former officer has also been posting and promoting campaign content for National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is seeking to unseat President Yoweri Museveni in the January 15 elections.
Ampe has since announced plans to officially join Bobi Wine’s campaign activities in Ngora District, urging residents of the Teso sub-region to vote for leaders who prioritise development, integrity, and justice.
“I am a concerned citizen rallying support for people-centred leadership and national progress,” he said in one post.
The Uganda Prisons Service had last month warned officers against using social media to express political opinions, citing laws that prohibit public servants from communicating on official or work-related matters without authorisation.
Despite the warning, Ampe reportedly continued posting political content, prompting further disciplinary action that culminated in his dismissal. Opposition figures have condemned the move, describing it as evidence of systemic oppression and selective enforcement of the law.
Returned Government stores
Bobi Wine defended Ampe, saying the former officer was being punished for exposing corruption and abuse of power within the security sector. He also accused authorities of applying double standards, noting that some security officials, particularly within the military, frequently express partisan support for President Museveni without facing disciplinary consequences.
Dismissal Letter
Rights groups have previously accused the Ugandan government of restricting freedom of expression, particularly online. In a 2023 report, the United States government cited Uganda for limiting internet freedom through criminal sanctions.
Last year, a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to insulting the President and the First Family in a TikTok video.
The Uganda Prisons Service maintains that public officers must remain politically neutral while in service, insisting that disciplinary action against Ampe was lawful and in line with existing regulations.
Torch Media Africa
