State Research Bureau (also marketed as S.R.B.) is a 2011 Ugandanaction film directed by Matt Bish (Matthew Bishanga).[2] The film is a historical drama based on Uganda's turbulent past, specifically focusing on the brutal activities of the State Research Bureau, the secret police force that operated under Idi Amin's regime.[3]
Set before 1986, the film tells the story of a Ugandan family attempting to flee the country during the height of political turmoil.[4] The narrative follows a couple who miraculously escape a brutal massacre of civilians in Arua town and make their way to Kampala, hoping to eventually reach Kenya for safety.[5]
However, their escape attempt is thwarted when they are intercepted by state operatives at a roadblock in Jinja. They encounter the notorious Captain Yusuf, who operates a "safe house" - in reality, a prison and torture facility run by the National Security Agency.[5] The film exposes the brutality of the President's secret intelligence police and the horrific conditions within these detention facilities.[3]
Cast
S.R.B. featured Roger Masaba as the notorious intelligence chief, Joel Okuyo Atiku as James, Cleopatra Koheirwe and Matthew Nabwiso. Also making an appearance is Roger Mugisha, the inspiration for Matt Bish's first film Battle of the Souls in which Okuyo and Nabwiso had starred back in 2007.[2]
The film was directed and produced by Matthew Bishanga, who adopted the professional name Matt Bish for the project.[2] Roger Mugisha and Joel Okuyo Prynce served as co-producers.[4] The production aimed to recreate the atmosphere of fear and oppression that characterized Uganda during the 1970s and 1980s.[4]
Release and reception
The film premiered in Kansanga, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda at Wonder World[6] (former Didi's World) on 25 January 2011, the 32nd Anniversary since Idi Amin's overthrow by Tanzanian armed forces plus Ugandan exiles and an evening just before the 25th Anniversary of the National Resistance Movement's Liberation Day.[6]
One unforgettable line in the movie, though sarcastic, is: "Welcome to Hotel Arua, hahaha!" Although shot mainly in Jinja, Uganda, it was inspired by the stories of real life survivors of the era. The movie starts in Arua where innocent civilians are gunned down, reminiscent of the Ombaci Massacre during the Obote II regime.
The film was praised for its unflinching portrayal of Uganda's traumatic past and its contribution to historical awareness through cinema.[5]
Historical context
The film is based on the real State Research Bureau, which was Uganda's secret police force under Idi Amin's dictatorship. The organization was notorious for operating safe houses throughout the country, which were used as detention and torture centers.[5]
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