Film short abstract

In the Ugandan salt lake town of Katwe, the factory has been deserted for 40 years while the politicians promise to free the community from poverty. Against the backdrop of colonial and imperial exploitation, a mosaic of characters gives us insight into the salt workers’ historical plights.

Film synopsis

In the Ugandan salt lake town of Katwe, the factory has stood deserted for the past 40 years while the politicians promise to free the community from poverty. Election promises turn into hearsay, and it’s an open secret that the salt lake revenues disappear through middlemen with deep pockets. The corruption permeates everyday life in Katwe and political blackmail exists side by side with deep religiosity.

Against the backdrop of a history of colonial and imperial exploitation, a mosaic of characters gives us insight into the salt workers’ historical plights. In the foreground to the local politics we meet Abooki among others. She provides for her three daughters through her work in the salt lake. The economic crisis makes her everyday life a daily struggle, as all her living expenses are measured in the amount of salt she needs to break and sell.