Ugandan Prisons Officer Dismissed for Social Media Activity
Lawrence Ampe, an officer with the Uganda Prisons Service, has been dismissed from his position following an investigation into his social media posts. The dismissal, which authorities cited as "gross indiscipline" and "politicking in the wrong forum," was announced by the Prisons Council.
Prisons spokesman Frank Baine stated that Mr. Ampe was sacked for violating standing orders that prohibit public officers from participating in politics. Mr. Baine also indicated that Ampe did not express remorse when appearing before the Prisons Council. The council "resolved to dismiss" Ampe last Tuesday and instructed him to return all state property.
Mr. Ampe had been under investigation for several weeks over his TikTok videos. His account, which has over 100,000 followers, featured content that accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of lower-ranking prison officers. He also used his platform to promote election campaign videos for opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Bobi Wine is a political figure challenging President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule in upcoming elections. Upon receiving his dismissal letter, Ampe shared it on TikTok with the caption: "I'm finally out free to support truth," and stated his actions were "not all about money but about liberating our nation."
The Uganda Prisons Service had previously cautioned officers against using social media to express political opinions, citing laws that prohibit public officers from communicating with the media on "issues related to work or official policy" without permission from senior authorities. Ampe reportedly continued to upload political videos despite these warnings, leading to further disciplinary proceedings.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine defended Ampe, stating that the officer was using social media to "expose corruption, abuse of power, oppression of lower ranking officers and other evils within the Uganda Prisons Service." Wine criticized the dismissal, describing it as evidence of "systemic oppression" and suggesting double standards, noting that other security officials reportedly express partisan support for President Museveni without facing disciplinary action.
The incident occurs within a broader context of concerns regarding freedom of expression in Uganda. A 2023 report by the US government indicated that Uganda had restricted internet freedom through criminal punishments. Human rights organizations have also frequently criticized Ugandan authorities over alleged violations of human rights and freedom of expression. In a separate incident last July, a 24-year-old individual was sentenced to six years in prison for a TikTok video deemed to insult the president and the first family.