Why Larry Madowo is Proudly Embracing Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s “Traitor” Comment

CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has found himself at the centre of a heated digital fallout with Uganda’s top military commander.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, recently blocked the journalist on the social media platform X.

The General, who serves as Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, labelled Madowo a "true msaliti", which is the Swahili word for traitor. This exchange follows a long-standing online feud regarding Madowo’s reporting on Ugandan’s January 15th elections.

The Compliment of Criticism

Madowo responded to being blocked through a video shared on his social media channels. Rather than being offended, he explained why he takes the General’s label as a professional victory.

The journalist stated that he considers the "traitor" tag a compliment. He argued that the fundamental purpose of journalism is to hold those in authority accountable.

"The role of journalism is to speak truth to power. It's not to be praised by power. It's not to be friends with power,” Madowo explained.

Madowo noted that his goal is to cover the African continent accurately, rather than focusing on presenting a purely positive image.

Background: A Disputed Election

The tension between the two figures stems from the aftermath of Uganda’s recent general elections. President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office during the 2026 polls.

ALSO READ: Inside Larry Madowo’s Massive 2025 Travel Log: 18 Days in The Skies, 103 Flights

The election was marred by an internet shutdown and allegations of electoral malpractice from the opposition.

Madowo reported on these issues from Nairobi, quoting the General’s controversial social media posts.

Threats Against the Opposition

General Muhoozi has a history of making provocative statements online. He previously used his platform to vow to "remove and extinguish" the National Unity Platform (NUP), the party led by opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Madowo’s reporting highlighted these threats, including Muhoozi's references to opposition supporters as terrorists. In one instance, Madowo publicly questioned the General on why he was bragging about threats against citizens while being protected by his father's power.

"Muhoozi used to follow me, now he’s blocked me. I wonder why,” Madowo said.

A Dangerous Climate

The feud has escalated beyond social media. The military chief has since declared a ban on Bobi Wine participating in future elections, citing national security concerns. Muhoozi has stated that the opposition leader will now be treated as an "outlaw and a rebel".

Following these public threats, Bobi Wine has gone into hiding. He claims the military's actions represent a dangerous erosion of the constitutional order.

For Madowo, being blocked by the General is simply a sign that his reporting on these developments is reaching the intended target.