Uganda prison officer fired for politicking on TikTok amid election season

A Ugandan prison officer has been fired after sharing political content on TikTok, the popular video app. Officials described the action as gross indiscipline and said public servants must stay neutral in politics, especially with elections approaching.

The Prisons Council confirmed the dismissal of Lawrence Ampe after examining videos where he accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of junior officers. Spokesperson Frank Baine said Ampe crossed the line by engaging in political activity on a public platform, stressing that public officers are not allowed to participate in partisan politics.

Ampe posted the dismissal letter on his TikTok account, captioning it, “I’m finally out free to support truth.” In another clip, he told followers not to worry about his livelihood, insisting that his work is about liberating the nation rather than earning money.

He has argued that his account, which gathers more than 100,000 followers, served to expose corruption and abuses by senior officials and to encourage a sense of patriotism among Ugandans. He also shared campaign material backing opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose bid to unseat President Yoweri Museveni is a central feature of the country’s political scene ahead of the January elections.

According to the Prisons Council, Ampe was formally dismissed and ordered to hand over all state property in his possession. Baine reiterated that Uganda’s laws prohibit public officers from participating in politics and noted that Ampe did not show remorse when appearing before the council.

The case has drawn criticism from opposition figures who describe the move as evidence of systemic oppression and double standards within security agencies. They argue that other security forces, especially the military, routinely express partisan views in public without facing penalties.

Previously, the Uganda Prisons Service warned officers against using social media to comment on work or official policy without authorization. Rights groups have long criticized restrictions on freedom of expression, with a 2023 U.S. report pointing to limits on internet access in Uganda. There was also a separate incident last July when a 24-year-old man received a six-year prison sentence for insulting the president in a TikTok video.

Expert comment: Analysts say the case highlights the delicate balance between political neutrality and free expression in a charged political climate. They warn that enforcement may be uneven across security services, which can erode trust in fair governance.

Summary: Lawrence Ampe was dismissed by Uganda’s Prisons Service for political activity on TikTok. The decision has sparked debate about neutrality rules, media expression, and perceived double standards among security agencies ahead of a pivotal election. As Uganda prepares for the vote, supporters of dissent argue for clearer rules that protect constitutional rights while maintaining professional conduct.

Key insight: Public servants must remain politically neutral in public forums, but enforcement varies, fueling debate over fairness and accountability.

BBC

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