The compelling documentary, “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” has secured the prestigious title of Best Feature Documentary at the 39th International Documentary Association (IDA) Documentary Awards.
The documentary delves into the political journey of Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi, the President of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, as he passionately vies for the presidency in the 2021 general elections.
The award-winning film sheds light on the alleged atrocities committed by state agencies against Kyagulanyi and his supporters. This includes the tragic killing of over 50 Ugandans during the November 2020 riots that erupted following Kyagulanyi’s arrest in Luuka District during his campaign trail.
One of the focal points of the documentary is Kyagulanyi’s crucial role in opposing the scrapping of the presidential age limit in 2017. The subsequent passage of this legislation by Parliament provided the then 73-year-old President Museveni with the opportunity to seek a sixth term at the helm of Uganda’s highest political seat.
The IDA Documentary Awards, which annually acknowledge outstanding achievements in the documentary genre, celebrated “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” as the Best Feature Documentary. The documentary stands out for its exploration of the challenges faced by Kyagulanyi and his supporters in their pursuit of political change in Uganda.
In response to the accolade, Mr. Kyagulanyi expressed his gratitude via his social media handle, stating, “Really humbled” in reference to the IDA’s announcement.
Directed by American producer Christopher Sharp and Ugandan filmmaker Moses Bwayo, the documentary is making waves globally. It is currently being screened in various parts of the world, with a particular focus on audiences in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Kyagulanyi emphasized the documentary’s role as an activist tool, exposing what he describes as the regime’s “criminal” acts against Ugandans, especially those affiliated with the opposition. “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to political struggles and advocating for change.
