By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-26 15:50:51
The documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” has received a nomination for the best documentary feature film at the Academy Awards, alongside four other documentaries, including the Tunisian biopic “Four Daughters.”
Upon hearing the news, Bobi Wine expressed his gratitude, stating that it was a humbling moment to see the Ugandan story receive recognition at the most prestigious and significant awards in the world. He emphasized that the fight for democracy in Uganda and around the world continues.
Bobi Wine, a prominent artist and opposition figure in Uganda, ran for presidency in 2021 but lost to President Yoweri Museveni in a vote that was marred by allegations of rigging, leading to countrywide protests and killings by security forces.
Known for his outspoken criticism of President Museveni’s rule, Bobi Wine has faced arrest, detention, and physical assault multiple times. More recently, security forces barricaded his home for five days to prevent him from leading demonstrations against the poor condition of roads in Uganda.
The documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” was also honored with the Audience Choice Award at the Cinema Eye Honors 2024 Awards and the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Hamptons International Film Festival.
Bobi Wine expressed hope that the nomination at the Academy Awards will elevate awareness of the struggle in Uganda and encourage support for human rights and democracy in the country.
Directed by Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp, the film premiered to a 10-minute standing ovation at the 2022 Venice Film Festival before being acquired by National Geographic. It made its US premiere at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival.
In response to the nomination, Uganda’s minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem downplayed its significance, attributing it to the gullibility of Western countries. However, Bobi Wine sees the nomination as an opportunity to draw attention to the struggle for freedom, human rights, and democracy in Uganda.
Overall, the nomination of “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” at the Academy Awards reflects the global recognition of the Ugandan story and the ongoing fight for democracy in the country.
