Prize-Winning Documentary Puts the Spotlight on Bobi Wine

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” Chronicles Inspiring Activism and Political Journey

In the midst of the documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” the subject passionately declares, “I’m president already. I’m president of the ghetto!” While reality may have diverged from this assertion, the film directed by Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo paints a vivid picture of Bobi Wine’s 2021 presidential campaign in Uganda, suggesting his potential as a prominent vote-getter.

Now screening in theaters across New York and the nation, this captivating documentary sheds light on the remarkable journey of Bobi Wine, a pop star turned politician, as he strives to challenge the dictatorship of President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda.

Emerging from the impoverished ghetto slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine ascends to become one of Uganda’s most cherished superstars. His journey unfolds as he takes a stand against corruption, transforming into an Independent Member of Parliament dedicated to defending the rights of his fellow citizens.

Since 1986, Yoweri Museveni, a military officer and politician, has held the presidency in Uganda, altering the constitution to extend his rule through multiple five-year terms.

Premiering at the 2022 Venice Film Festival in September, “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” received a resounding 10-minute standing ovation. The film was subsequently acquired by National Geographic before its United States debut at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival.

The documentary delves into the dynamic partnership between Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie, who courageously risked their careers, family, and safety to challenge Museveni’s rule and foster democracy in Uganda. However, the government was unyielding in its determination to silence not only the couple but anyone supporting their cause.

Drawing inspiration from Bob Marley, Bobi Wine’s Afro-reggae music serves as a powerful tool to condemn the Museveni regime and advocate for oppressed and marginalized Ugandans. Amidst this struggle, he confronts the nation’s police and military, who employ violence and torture to suppress him and his supporters.

Born Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on February 12, 1982, Bobi Wine is currently the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People Power Movement. Raised in the Kamwokya slums of Kampala, his upbringing was marked by his mother’s role as a nurse and his father’s profession as a veterinarian and farmer.

During his campaign, Bobi Wine championed causes such as hospital sanitization, malaria prevention, refugee rights, and children’s education. His music functions as a peaceful form of protest, combining education and entertainment while highlighting the challenges faced by Uganda’s underprivileged and low-income individuals. He calls upon young people to engage in politics and reshape their nation’s destiny.

Despite Museveni’s controversial track record, the U.S. government invited him to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Senator Robert Menendez, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized this move, urging President Biden to distance himself from Museveni due to the leader’s disregard for democratic and human rights norms.

Bobi Wine is married to Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, known as Barbie, and together they have four children. He remains at the helm of the NUP, the largest political opposition party in Uganda, and continues to stand as the primary opposition leader against President Museveni’s rule.

Directors Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo employ a cinéma vérité approach, providing an intimate glimpse into Bobi Wine’s life and journey. They gained remarkable access to Wine and his family, capturing their experiences over a span of five years. Contrary to their expectations, the directors found no “human failings” in Bobi and Barbie, as stated in their commentary.

Audiences can catch “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” at the Angelika theaters in New York and Washington, DC, until August 26th.