I consider it a compliment: Larry Madowo reacts to Muhoozi’s reason for blocking him on X

Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has responded to the explanation offered by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on why he blocked the award-winning journalist on the social media platform X.
Madowo stated on his official social media account on Friday, January 23, 2026, that the reason provided by Muhoozi is actually a compliment.
The Cable News Network (CNN) African correspondent asserted that the role of journalism is to speak truth to power and not to praise fragile bullies.
“The role of journalism is to speak truth to power, not to praise fragile bullies who celebrate extrajudicial killings,” Madowo stated.
According to Madowo, being considered a traitor by Muhoozi is actually a compliment.

“I consider it a compliment that this nepo baby calls me a traitor (msaliti),” he added.
What Muhoozi said after blocking Larry Madowo on X
Muhoozi blocked Madowo on the social media platform, with the journalist sharing a screenshot confirming the same on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
“Muhoozi used to follow me, now he’s blocked me. I wonder why,” he stated.

A few hours later, the son of Uganda’s long-serving president responded, explaining his decision to block the journalist.
“I blocked @LarryMadowo for one simple reason. It’s best said in Kiswahili. He is a true Msaliti (Traitor),” Muhoozi tweeted.
Madowo’s online spat with Muhoozi
Muhoozi and Madowo have been involved in an online spat that started shortly after Uganda went to the polls on January 15, 2026, with President Yoweri Museveni securing his seventh term amid criticism from the opposition.
An alarming statement made by Muhoozi on X, in which he referenced the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine sparked the war of words.

Madowo swiftly called him out, alluding that the latter’s confidence could be a result of his relationship with President Yoweri Museveni.
“Muhoozi, why are you bragging about killing Ugandans who support the opposition? Is it because you’re protected by your father, President Museveni?” Madowo asked.
Rather than responding to the questions asked, the General fired back, using derogatory words to dismiss the journalist.
“Why don’t you call me by my name, Larry? How long will you kiss the Muzungu’s ASS in the USA pretending to represent us?” Muhoozi stated.
