Rise Up & Vote: The Triumph of Democracy
A refugee produced and directed documentary that provides rare insight into the structures of electoral politics and self-governance in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda where the first female candidate was elected to the Refugee World Council.
In May 2024, democracy prevailed in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement when the first female candidate, Neima Grace Khemis, was elected to represent Zone 2 on the Refugee World Council (RWC). Her victory marked an extraordinary milestone in the community's journey from asylum and statelessness toward empowerment and self-governance. The democratic process demonstrated the community's commitment to peaceful transitions of power and a collective vision for a better future.
To the thousands who supported her campaign, Neima Grace Khemis embodies the resilience and determination of millions of refugees forced to rebuild their lives in the face of tremendous hardship. She reflects not only the growing representation of women in leadership, but the courage to stand up and be heard, inspiring countless others within the settlement.
Documenting this historic moment was fraught with difficulties. Limited access to basic production equipment, a reliable computer and quality headphones hindered the editing process. Insufficient battery power for sound recorders disrupted audio capture during interviews, while the unstable power source in the settlement made it challenging to upload files and meet deadlines. Despite these hurdles, I was determined to preserve and share the story of the triumph of democracy to inspire hope throughout Bidi Bidi and beyond.
South Sudanese refugee producer, filmmaker, community activist and co-founder of Bidi Bidi Media Lab. Richard's work explores conflict, statelessness and life in northern Uganda’s refugee archipelago.
