It was all fun as filmmakers, content creators, media, historians, and government officials gathered at Century Cinemax, Arena Mall in Kampala on Thursday night for the premiere of Natasha Karugire’s powerful documentary, “Those From Among You”.
The documentary takes the audience on a journey through Uganda’s history, politics, and the stories of its iconic figures.
The guest of honour, former Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki, urged Ugandans to record and treasure their own history.
He said a country whose people do not appreciate history and learn from it “is doomed.”
Odoki hailed Natasha for compiling the illuminating stories that delve deep into the lives and experiences of the heroes of the Liberation struggle and provide unique insights into the nation’s journey.
Odoki paraphrased Franz Fanon. “The story we are going to hear today is not a story of betrayal; it shows that the NRA generation fulfilled its mission.”
He further remarked, “This generation must fulfill its mission. They have to take over the mission we started. This generation is on a historic mission, and they have started now. I want to thank the good Lord, because who are we that he has brought us this far? Many have left us. God has been with us to bring us this far.”
Odoki, who was also interviewed for the documentary, recalled witnessing the sham trial of Archbishop Janan Luwum at Nile Mansions in Kampala before the man of God was later executed by Idi Amin.
Odoki, who was a Director at the Law Development Centre, also speaks about the murder of Chief Justice Ben Kiwanuka after being abducted from his offices at the High Court in Kampala.
The Security Minister, Rtd Maj Gen Kim Muhwezi, urged Ugandans to take considerable interest in the documentary and “internalise” its message.
Muhwezi, who participated in the NRA war and later served as internal security boss, said that by understanding Uganda’s dark history, the young people would be able to protect the country from political violence in the future.
Despite the involvement of notable personalities, Natasha managed to maintain an unbiased focus on the subject, ensuring that every participant’s perspective is presented authentically.
The premiere of #ThoseFromAmongYou is graced by many distinguished guests who get to watch part of the docu-series leading up to the public unveiling later this month#LiberationOfUganda#JourneyToIndependence pic.twitter.com/TXCk1CDzxq
— Isaiah60 Productions (@isaiah60_films) July 27, 2023
Koreta
Retired General Ivan Koreta was also interviewed for the documentary.
He provides a deep insight into his work as a young guerilla operating from behind enemy lines during the war against Idi Amin.
Koreta, who would later serve as Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, also sheds light on the secret operations of guerillas during the war against Obote, the discrimination against FRONASA combatants following the return of Milton Obote in 1980, and the war leading to Museveni’s seizure of power in 1986.
Also interviewed for the documentary is John Baptist Kawanga, President Museveni’s classmate at Ntare School and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Kawanga describes Museveni as a very intelligent student at Ntare and Dar es Salaam.
Kawanga narrates how the current Ugandan leader mobilised students to embark on a grueling journey to territories liberated by Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) fighters in Northern Mozambique.
Also on record is Colonel Bosco Omule, who, together with Ivan Koreta and Gen. Salim Saleh, received military training by FRELIMO in the liberated zones of Montepuez, Mozambique, in the 1970s.
These trainees would later form the nucleus of the NRA and later UPDF.
In the documentary, Odoki, prominent lawyer Peter Mulira, and publisher James Tumusiime share interesting insights into the political events leading up to Uganda’s independence and the conflicts between Obote and Kabaka Muteesa that sparked the 1966 crisis.
Positive reviews from our guest for the premier of #ThoseFromAmongYou. We are excited for everybody to watch the documentary which will be streaming on YouTube and showing on TV.#ComingSoon
#JourneyToIndependence#LiberationOfUganda pic.twitter.com/VdpHgAgVNw— Isaiah60 Productions (@isaiah60_films) July 27, 2023
Odoki maintains that Uganda was not ready for Independence when the British handed over power to Ugandan politicians in 1962.
The film also carries interviews with President Museveni during the NRA war and his inauguration speech in 1986.
Museveni says he took up a teaching job in Moshi “because it was close to Nairobi,” where he always met contacts in the war against Idi Amin.
The president says that while teaching at Moshi Cooperative College, he stayed in touch with guerillas who were conducting clandestine operations against Amin.
He was later contacted by Tanzanian leader Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to take part in deeper military preparations for the war against Amin.
Museveni also discusses his disagreements with Milton Obote as Ugandan exiles planned the overthrow of Amin.
“Those From Among You” promises to be a compelling documentary that transcends mere politics.
It comprehensively covers various aspects of Uganda’s past, present, and the changes that have shaped the nation’s social and economic landscape.
@marcuskwikriza is the amazing host at the premier of #ThoseFromAmongYou at @CinemaxUg pic.twitter.com/v0haqRZoTO
— Isaiah60 Productions (@isaiah60_films) July 27, 2023
The inspiration behind this extraordinary documentary lies in the filmmaker’s desire to make Uganda’s history accessible to all, particularly the younger generations.
Tayebwa speaks out
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa praised Natasha’s humility in producing the documentary and encouraged the youth to find inspiration from their own African figures instead of solely quoting foreign ones.
“I do not know what I would do if I were Natasha. I would probably be shopping in Paris or having a good life in London. Her choosing to do this work is a sign of humility, and I thank Natasha for that humility,” he said.
Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Former Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States, graced the event as a guest speaker and hailed the documentary as a pivotal moment in Africa’s history.
“Today, we are witnessing that day where our very own youth, and to top it off a woman; has stood up and said more shall the hunters continue to tell the story. A woman who has stood up and said no more shall the mis-education continue, a young lady who has said no more shall they continue to mislead us,” Ambassador Chihombori stated.
She continued, “That day that Patrice Lumumba spoke about is here. Those From Among You is going to begin and mark a turning point for our Africa. Natasha is leading the way to some very important conversations that must take place. Natasha is saying the truth must be told, and the journey of Africa’s liberation must be told. It must be told with truth and facts, constants that do not change.”
By compiling interviews and historical footage, Natasha says she aims to leave a lasting impact on both Ugandans and Africans across the continent, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of their roots.
A fashion designer and writer, Natasha is the producer of the movie 27 Guns, a biopic based on the true events of Uganda’s NRA liberation struggle.
The premiere of “Those From Among You,” is seen as a significant milestone in the journey of preserving Uganda’s history and celebrating its iconic figures.
Following the premiere, the documentary will start airing on NBS, UBC, and Urban TV on Monday, July 31, 2023.
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