Kampala, Uganda – In a move that underscores the growing intersection of social media, politics, and public service in Uganda, former prison officer Lawrence Ampe has been dismissed from his position after posting critical videos on TikTok. Ampe, who accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of lower-ranking officers, was sacked for what authorities described as “gross indiscipline.”
Following his termination, Ampe swiftly aligned himself with the National Unity Platform (NUP), the opposition party led by musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). His defection signals a potential escalation in political activism among disaffected public servants.
Ampe’s dismissal highlights the strict neutrality requirements imposed on Ugandan public servants, who are prohibited by law from engaging in partisan politics. The Uganda Prisons Service confirmed that Ampe had been under investigation for his social media posts, which gained traction on TikTok and drew widespread attention. In these videos, he openly criticized President Yoweri Museveni’s government—accusing it of systemic graft and poor working conditions within prisons.
Authorities emphasized that such behavior violated service regulations, leading to his immediate sacking.
The incident has sparked debate over freedom of expression in Uganda, where platforms like TikTok have become battlegrounds for political discourse. Ampe, known online as UgandanMind, began with subtle critiques but escalated to direct accusations. His posts resonated with many Ugandans frustrated by economic hardships and alleged government overreach, while also attracting scrutiny from officials who viewed his actions as threats to institutional discipline.
Shortly after his dismissal, Ampe announced his affiliation with the NUP, framing it as a natural progression in his fight against perceived injustices. Founded in 2020, the NUP has positioned itself as a youthful, anti-establishment force challenging Museveni’s long-standing National Resistance Movement (NRM). Ampe expressed solidarity with the party’s agenda of promoting democracy, human rights, and accountability, stating: “This is about exposing misuse of power and corruption.”
His integration into the NUP has been met with enthusiasm from supporters. Online discussions highlight his transition from a “lowkey outburst” on TikTok to active campaigning, including hosting live vlogs to rally opposition support. This move comes at a critical time as Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections. The NUP, which gained significant ground in the 2021 polls despite allegations of electoral irregularities, has been bolstering its ranks with figures like Ampe who bring firsthand experience from within government institutions.
Party insiders suggest Ampe’s background as a prison officer adds credibility to NUP’s criticisms of the justice system, which the opposition accuses of being weaponized against dissenters. Bobi Wine, who himself faced arrest and harassment during his presidential bid, has welcomed such defectors as evidence of crumbling loyalty within state institutions.
Ampe’s joining follows a pattern seen in other NUP recruits, including former detainees and activists who endured imprisonment for their affiliations. The party has rallied around supporters jailed for wearing military fatigues or associating with opposition figures, emphasizing themes of resilience and defiance.
However, Ampe’s defection has not been without controversy. Critics within and outside the NUP question the motivations of new joiners, pointing to past instances where individuals left the party citing internal disputes over recognition or resources. Some former members have accused the NUP of favoritism, such as awarding party flags to those who allegedly paid for them, leading to public fallout.
Despite these tensions, Ampe’s case appears to strengthen the NUP’s narrative, with supporters praising his courage in the face of job loss and potential reprisals.
Broader context reveals a fraught political landscape in Uganda. The NUP has faced accusations from the government of inciting unrest, while the opposition counters with claims of state-sponsored abductions and suppression. Ampe’s story fits into this dynamic, where social media amplifies voices but also invites crackdowns.
