CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has spoken out defending his coverage of Uganda’s tense pre-election period after facing heavy backlash from NRM supporters for being pro-Bobi Wine and some followers are not convinced.
In a post shared on X, Madowo reminded critics that CNN doesn’t only cover chaos. He pointed to two positive CNN promos featuring Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s celebrated wildlife vet whose work at Bwindi has helped grow mountain gorilla numbers.
“We cover brutality against Bobi Wine, but also this. Why doesn’t it get the same attention?” Madowo asked.
His comments come as pressure mounts from NRM loyalists accusing the Kenyan journalist of bias, sensationalism, and trying to paint Uganda in a bad light ahead of the January 2026 elections. Some critics even labelled him a “mercenary” pushing foreign interests.
The noise grew louder after Madowo’s on-the-ground reporting from Bobi Wine rallies in Gulu and other areas earlier this month, where security forces fired tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets. Several supporters and journalists were injured.
Madowo, who was fully geared up during the coverage, described the tear gas as the worst he has ever experienced and linked the violence to Uganda’s long history of election-related clashes since Bobi Wine challenged Museveni in 2021.
Despite viral claims online suggesting he had been warned or blocked from entering Uganda, Madowo brushed off the rumours as fake news and proceeded with his reporting.
Why do some Ugandans want to teach me Runyankole? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Cv7dRWN3B5
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) December 20, 2025
