CNN journalist Larry Madowo has spoken out after being caught up in a teargas incident in Uganda, describing the chemical used by security forces as unusually severe.
In a statement shared publicly, Madowo said he has experienced teargas many times over the past two years, but what he encountered in Uganda stood out for its intensity.
“I’ve been teargassed a lot in the last two years but Uganda’s chemical is nasty. Even policemen were suffering next to me,” Madowo said.
His remarks have sparked fresh discussion about crowd-control methods used by security agencies in the region, with many social media users expressing concern over the effects of such chemicals on civilians, journalists, and even officers enforcing the law.
Madowo, who is known for reporting from high-risk environments, did not disclose the specific circumstances that led to the incident, but his comments have reignited debate on press freedom, police conduct, and the safety of journalists while covering events in East Africa.
The statement adds to growing scrutiny of how force is applied during public order operations and the impact it has on both the public and security personnel themselves.
