Kenyan journalist and CNN correspondent Larry Madowo has highlighted the risks faced by media professionals in East Africa after sharing a threatening direct message he received while reporting from Uganda.
The incident comes as the country gears up for its January 15, 2026 general elections.
Madowo, who is covering early campaign activities, posted a screenshot of the message on his social media platforms.
The sender, a Ugandan woman, expressed strong support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni while making explicit sexual threats and disparaging remarks against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine.
In response to the message, Madowo wrote: “This escalated quickly,” adding, “Which part should I be scared of?”
His post drew attention to the online harassment journalists can face when reporting on politically charged issues.
For Kenyan audiences, the episode underscores wider concerns about the safety of journalists during election periods.
In Kenya, reporters covering contentious political events have faced intimidation, online abuse, and threats, particularly around high-stakes electoral campaigns. Digital harassment is increasingly recognised as a risk to media freedom in the region.
Madowo, who has built a reputation as a prominent East African journalist, has often used social media to share his reporting experiences.
The incident illustrates how online platforms have become spaces where political tensions manifest in personal attacks against journalists, raising questions about the boundaries of free expression and responsible online behaviour.
While Uganda continues preparations for the 2026 elections, early incidents like this highlight the heightened scrutiny and potential threats faced by correspondents.
Madowo’s public sharing of the message serves as both a warning and a record of the challenges foreign and regional journalists encounter while reporting on election campaigns in East Africa.
The episode also resonates with Kenya’s ongoing discussions on media safety, online harassment, and the importance of protecting journalists in politically sensitive environments.
It highlights the need for stronger safeguards to ensure that reporters can cover elections and governance issues without fear of intimidation.