Uganda prison officer fired for political posts on TikTok
Uganda’s Prisons Service has dismissed a warder for airing political content on TikTok, underscoring Uganda’s rule that public servants must remain politically neutral and avoid campaign messaging.
A Uganda prison officer has been dismissed after posting videos that criticised the government on TikTok. The government says this breach shows serious disobedience in a public service that must stay politically neutral.
What happened
Lawrence Ampe, a long-serving prison official, used his TikTok account to accuse senior government figures of corruption and the mistreatment of junior staff. After a formal review, the Prisons Council confirmed his dismissal and ordered him to surrender any state property in his possession.
Public reaction and details
Opposition leaders and human rights groups condemned the decision, arguing it signals political repression and unequal discipline within security agencies. Ampe’s account has over 100,000 followers and included content endorsing accountability and reform, as well as videos supporting opposition efforts.
The officer publicly shared the dismissal letter on TikTok with a caption about finally being free to tell the truth. He also stated he would continue speaking out for the good of the country.
The legal framework
Uganda restricts public servants from taking part in politics and from engaging in political activities in official forums. Officials are also barred from speaking to the media about work or policy without permission from senior authorities.
Expert comment
Expert comment: A legal analyst notes that neutrality rules are a standard feature of public service, but critics worry about uneven application. The result could chill legitimate public discussion about government power.
What this means ahead of elections
With national elections set for January, the case highlights ongoing debates over speech, media access, and accountability in Uganda. Opponents like Bobi Wine have leveraged social media to campaign, while government voices urge caution in public commentary.
Conclusion
Supporters say the action protects public service discipline; critics say it signals tighter control over public debate. The case has reignited questions about neutrality, free expression, and the treatment of dissent within Uganda’s security services.
Summary
In short, a veteran Prisons Service officer was dismissed for political content on a public platform, illustrating Uganda’s strict neutrality rules for civil servants. The incident drew criticism from opponents who argue enforcement is inconsistent. It underscores the tension between official rules and citizens’ right to speak about public matters, especially with elections approaching.
Key insight: Uganda enforces strict neutrality rules for public servants, a policy that has sparked debate about freedom of expression and equal treatment across security agencies. Source: BBC News
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