If there’s one documentary you seek out this year, make it this one. Equal parts inspiring, educational, entertaining, and emotionally activating, the story of Ugandan musician turned politician Bobi Wine is an incredible exposé of the hypocrisy of political elections and the hero who was willing to sacrifice his life to defend the oppressed. Documented over five years by filmmakers Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo, Bobi Wine: The People’s President charts the fascinating trajectory of one man’s selfless dedication to his people in true David vs Goliath fashion.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu was born in the slums of Kampala, which shaped his identity as he grew into a young man. His awareness of the lack of equality within his country’s political system struck a nerve with the budding social activist who, at that time, was expressing his frustration through music. With colorful vocals and infectious beats, Bobi’s catchy tunes held a deeper meaning than just entertainment value, these songs were calls for freedom. Robert adopted the stage name Bobi Wine and then, a star was born. As his musical career turned him into a national superstar, Bobi remained a man of the people and returned to the slums often to encourage future generations to persevere through the tough times.
Bobi’s dreams extended beyond the recording studio – his eyes were set on Parliament. He secured a seat within the government and quickly realized that behind the facade was corruption, illegal activity, and anti-republic intentions. Since 1986, Uganda had been under a ruthless regime led by power-hungry Yoweri Museveni, and the opposition wanted him gone. With a Presidential election upcoming, Museveni was determined to take another five-year term after he unethically changed the country’s constitution to make him eligible to run again. As a result, Bobi decides to gear up for the biggest battle of his life and run against the most powerful man in Uganda.
Bobi’s campaign journey is documented in harrowing detail throughout the film’s 2-hour runtime. Caravaning from town to town in an effort to connect with the voiceless people in remote Ugandan towns, Bobi and his team of supporters continuously risk persecution, intimidation, and even death from Museveni’s military. Told through intimate conversations with filmmakers Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo, Bobi gives audiences a glimpse into his secret life at home with his wife, Barbie, and their three children, revealing the sacrifices he makes to keep them safe.
The music that drives the film is a compilation of Bobi’s own recordings. Similar to the way Rodriguez came into the musical zeitgeist after the debut of the documentary Searching for Sugar Man – which also happened to also be produced by Bobi Wine‘s John Battsek – Bobi’s music has the potential to find its way to a mainstream audience. Inspiring activism through music, Bobi sings about denouncing the dictatorial regime and fighting for freedom. It’s a universally resonating message that you’ll be eager to sing along to.
The target on Bobi Wine’s head is never out of sight, even today., and the very act of making this documentary is already an act of defiance. If there’s one takeaway from the film, it’s that nobody can stop Bobi Wine from carrying on. Getting his message out into the Western world would be a huge victory for all the Ugandan people who feel oppressed at the hands of their own government. We owe it to Bobi, the filmmakers, and our fellow world citizens to listen to their stories and then act in a way that allows for liberty and freedom to prevail.
Distributed by Nat Geo Docs. Opening in select theaters on Friday, July 28th.
