A senior officer in the Uganda Prisons Service has been dismissed from duty after authorities accused him of engaging in politics through social media, a move that has reignited national debate over freedom of expression and unequal treatment within the country’s security agencies.
Lawrence Ampe was removed from his position following a series of TikTok videos in which he openly criticised the government and senior officials. In the videos, Ampe accused top leaders of corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations and the mistreatment of lower-ranking prison officers. His content attracted wide attention online, earning him more than 100,000 followers.
Prisons authorities said Ampe’s actions amounted to gross indiscipline. According to the Uganda Prisons Service, public officers are barred by law and internal regulations from engaging in partisan politics or publicly commenting on political matters. Officials argued that Ampe violated standing orders by using social media to push political views and campaign messages.
Frank Baine, the spokesperson of the Uganda Prisons Service, said the officer was dismissed for what he described as “politicking in the wrong forum.” He explained that the rules governing public servants do not allow them to participate in political activities, adding that Ampe showed no remorse when he appeared before the Prisons Council.
The Prisons Council confirmed in a statement that it resolved to dismiss Ampe and ordered him to hand over all government property in his possession. The decision followed weeks of investigations and disciplinary hearings after earlier warnings were ignored.
Ampe, however, appeared defiant. He shared his dismissal letter on TikTok, describing his removal from office as freedom rather than punishment. In one of his videos, he told Ugandans not to worry about how he would survive without a job, saying his actions were about liberating the nation rather than earning money.
He has consistently said he uses TikTok to expose corruption and misuse of power by senior officials, while encouraging citizens to love and defend their country. His videos also included campaign content supporting opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine, a former pop star turned politician, is challenging President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming January elections. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, is seeking to extend his long stay in power.
The opposition has strongly condemned Ampe’s dismissal, calling it proof of systematic oppression and hypocrisy within the security sector. Bobi Wine defended the former prison officer, saying he was simply exposing corruption, abuse of power and the suffering of junior officers within the prisons service.
He argued that Ampe’s punishment highlights clear double standards, noting that some military and security officials regularly appear in the media openly praising and supporting President Museveni without facing disciplinary action.
Last month, the Uganda Prisons Service warned officers against using social media to express political opinions. It cited laws that restrict public officers from speaking to the media or commenting on official matters without permission from senior authorities. Despite the warning, Ampe continued posting political content, leading to further disciplinary action and ultimately his dismissal.
The government has often faced criticism over restrictions on free speech and the shrinking space for dissent. Human rights groups have repeatedly accused authorities of silencing critics through arrests, intimidation and harsh punishments.
In a 2023 report, the United States government said Uganda had limited internet freedom by using criminal laws to punish online speech. Rights organisations have also raised concerns about violations of freedom of expression and human rights.
Last year, a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison after posting a TikTok video insulting the president and the first family. The young man pleaded guilty and asked for forgiveness, but the case drew widespread attention and condemnation from rights activists.
Ampe’s dismissal has now added to growing concerns about how the Ugandan state handles criticism, especially in the digital space. As social media continues to give ordinary citizens a powerful voice, the case raises serious questions about where the line is drawn between discipline, politics and the right to speak freely.