Bobi Wine, standing on top of the car, in Bobi Wine: The People’s President (National Geographic)

Bobi Wine, born Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is a Ugandan pop star turned politician. Running for the presidency in 2021, his opponent was 76-year-old President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Museveni has been in power since 1986, and his military regime has, time and time again, used violence and corruption to silence his critics. Though a documentary, this work feels more like a thriller as we view the politically turbulent world of Uganda through Wine’s eyes.

He was first elected as a member of Parliament in 2017—he represents the Kamwokya district of Kampala, where he grew up orphaned and impoverished. Over the next two years, he spends considerable time traveling and campaigning for his party in various local elections and against a constitutional amendment that would allow Museveni to remain in office for yet another term. During one rally, he is unjustly arrested and sent to military prison. This kicks off a series of events that see Wine traveling aboard for international support, campaigning for the presidential seat, repeated arrests, and protests across the country that are violently put down by the army.

Even during a global pandemic in 2020, Wine’s campaign and supporters face violence and corruption at every turn. The documentary depicts how President Museveni repeatedly manipulates the political process in favor of himself. In the final days leading up to the election, Wine is under house arrest, unable to reach the Ugandan people.

We leave Wine and his family in 2021 on a somber note as he is cheated out of his presidential campaign. Once the credits roll, a sense of hopelessness sinks in. But the film cuts back to a final sequence of a cheerful Wine touring his childhood neighborhood, inspiring the people: The fight for Uganda’s soul is far from over.

The filmmakers feature many of Bobi Wine’s tracks as he rallies across the country, gathering support for his cause. The catchy track “Freedom,” in particular, is an example of how Wine’s People Power movement is about inspiring the younger generation through his art. In contrast, the regime he rallies against frequently uses the military and police to quell support for Wine. Throughout, those who stand up to speak against the dictatorship will be arrested, tortured, and effectively silenced. While the musical sequences during Wine’s campaign inspire hope and unity, they contrast with the darker reality of his role as an opposition leader.

While set against the backdrop of Uganda’s turbulent political landscape, the core of this film is the relationship between Bobi, his wife, Barbie, and their family. This adds a softer touch to the film, giving a deeper insight into the struggles in the fight against the authoritarian regime. The editing masterfully weaves these sequences together to reveal the different sides of a complicated man.

Bobi Wine: The People’s President is a courageous work of cinema verité. Much credit must go to co-director Moses Bwayo. From being arrested to being shot in the face, his sacrifice to this project is immeasurable. He now resides in Los Angeles, having had to leave Uganda as a result of his involvement in the film.

This will appeal to fans of political or activism documentaries—Navalny is a similar documentary in its unabashed portrayal of a political maverick. As it ends, we see the faces of numerous men and women who worked to make this film a reality. Let’s hope their sacrifice does not go in vain.