Uganda’s Prisons Service has dismissed a prison warder after he posted political content on TikTok, a move authorities say breached rules barring uniformed officers from engaging in partisan politics, according to the BBC.

The officer, Lawrence Ampe, was attached to Ngora Prison in eastern Uganda. He was dismissed following a decision by the Prisons Council, which ruled that his social media activity amounted to political involvement and indiscipline, the Uganda Prisons Service said.

A dismissal letter dated 17 December stated that Ampe was removed from service with effect from 9 December, and instructed him to hand over all government property in his possession. Prison authorities said his actions violated internal regulations governing the conduct of public officers.

In a series of TikTok videos posted under the account name @COP Ampe, the warder criticised senior government officials, accused leaders of corruption and poor governance, and raised concerns about working conditions within the prisons service, the BBC reported. Some of the posts were also seen as supportive of opposition political figures.

Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine said officers had previously been warned against participating in politics or making unauthorised public statements, especially on social media platforms, according to the Nile Post. He said continued posting of political content was considered a serious breach of discipline.

The dismissal comes as Uganda approaches its January 2026 general elections, a period during which security agencies are required to maintain political neutrality, the BBC reported. Public servants, particularly those in uniformed services, are prohibited from campaigning, endorsing political parties or engaging in political debates.

Opposition figures have criticised the decision, arguing that Ampe was punished for speaking out against alleged wrongdoing. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, said the officer’s dismissal reflected unequal treatment within state institutions, according to the Nile Post.

Ampe later shared parts of his dismissal letter on TikTok and said he would continue speaking out, local media reported. Authorities, however, maintain that the action taken was lawful and aimed at preserving professionalism and neutrality within the prison service.

The Uganda Prisons Service said it will continue enforcing regulations governing the conduct of its officers and warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate service rules, especially during the election period.