God Loves Uganda (2013) - Roger Ross Williams

Roger Ross Williams' God Loves Uganda explores the role the American Evangelical movement has on Uganda's political and social culture, fueling biblical law such as a proposed death penalty for homosexuality.  Well-financed Evangelists bring their beliefs to the masses of Uganda and with the help of political peddling, these dangerous laws are winning the support of the general public.  God Loves Uganda is a shocking expose into what is going on in Uganda.  Using interviews and hidden camera footage, Williams captures both the missionaries and religious leaders "fighting for the souls of billions" as well as the opposing parties, who see the horrific consequences associated with such blind pushing of beliefs.  God Loves Uganda is certainly a documentary that benefits from its powerful subject matter but I was impressed with just how balanced the filmmaker is in observing all the sides of this issue.  There are some great moments that are captured this way, like how the Uganda men and woman who buy into what the Evangelists are preaching refer to themselves as God's Army.  It captures just how impressionable the people of Uganda truly are, with over 50% of their population being under the age 15 just looking for something they can be a part of.  What's interesting is that these evangelists seemingly seek power and control more so than anything else they preach.  The film doesn't completely demonize these individuals either, understanding that some of them are simply well-intentioned while others are hate-mongers who pedal fear in an effort to gain support for their battle against homosexuality.  Roger Ross Williams' God Loves Uganda is a fascinating film about an important issue that is so shocking and enraging at times that it reaches comedic levels. 
7.5/10

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