Bobi Wine: The People’s President is a powerful film about the man known as the face of change in Uganda. Directors Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp showcase a daring campaign trail that often seems too crazy to be real. Despite some of the film’s difficult scenes, it deserves to be seen by viewers all over the world because watching this can make a difference to an entire country of people.
The film begins in 2014, and the audience meets Robert Kyagulanyi, or Bobi Wine, a musician who makes music that exposes the corruption in Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s regime. Museveni has been in power for more than 30 years, and he has lost support from his people. Despite this, he appears to continue to rig elections and stay in power, long beyond his welcome. Wine, who holds considerable influence in the country, decides to oppose the current dictator in a democratic election. The majority of the film is dedicated to Wine’s campaign.
Viewers see the trials and tribulations faced by Wine and his wife, Barbie, as they take on the country’s most powerful man. Although this is a movie about democracy and the pursuit of freedom, one of the most endearing themes of the film is the love between Wine and Barbie. Early on, viewers learn the history of their relationship and begin to fall in love with the couple themselves. Despite the many challenges Wine faces during the 8-year period, his family sticks by his side.
Another beautiful aspect of the film is the music. Before he was a presidential hopeful, Wine was an Ugandan pop star. It is refreshing to see him stick to his roots and use his talents to promote his campaign. The music in the film has proven to be a powerful means of communication in Uganda. After the film was shown in the Q&A, Wine says his music was banned in his country, and anyone caught playing or listening to it could serve prison time.
Bobi Wine: The People’s President is a moving, intimate look at Uganda's political climate. Even though the results of the 2021 climactic election are no secret, you still feel the same level of optimism Wine and his supporters did while they were on the campaign trail.
