A Uganda prison officer has been sacked for criticizing the government on TikTok, in a rare move authorities said amounted to 'gross indiscipline'.
Lawrence Ampe had been under investigation over social media posts accusing senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of lower-ranking prison officers.
'The standing orders don't allow a public officer to participate in politics, which he is doing even now,' prisons spokesman Frank Baine told the BBC, stating Ampe was dismissed for 'politicking in the wrong forum'.
The opposition condemned the move, describing it as evidence of 'systemic oppression' and double standards within the security sector.
Ampe shared the dismissal letter on his TikTok account with the caption: 'I'm finally out free to support truth.' In another video, he reassured Ugandans not to worry about his job loss, insisting: 'What we are doing is not all about money but about liberating our nation.'
With over 100,000 followers on TikTok, Ampe claimed he was using the platform to expose corruption and advocate for patriotism. He also promoted election campaign videos for opposition leader Bobi Wine, who is contesting President Yoweri Museveni's authority during the upcoming January elections.
Ampe was told to return all state property and faced disciplinary action after continuing to produce political content despite prior warnings. Baine emphasized that Uganda’s laws prohibit public servants from engaging in political activities.
Bobi Wine defended Ampe, arguing that his efforts to expose corruption reflect double standards, as other security officials often publicly support Museveni without repercussions. The government has faced allegations of restricting public criticism and limiting freedom of expression.
Notably, past incidents include a 24-year-old man receiving a six-year prison term for insulting the president on TikTok, further highlighting the controversial dynamic surrounding political expression in Uganda.
