A young Scottish doctor named Nicholas Garrigan decides to travel to Uganda to experience a new culture and work in a rural hospital. He soon encounters the country’s new leader, Idi Amin, who takes a liking to Garrigan after a chance meeting. Amin appoints him as his personal physician and Garrigan is initially captivated by Amin's charisma and vision for Uganda, believing he can contribute positively to the nation’s progress. As he becomes more entrenched in Amin's inner circle, he enjoys the perks of his privileged position, which include access to luxury and influence.

However, as time progresses, Garrigan starts witnessing the darker aspects of Amin's regime. He becomes increasingly aware of the brutality and human rights abuses being committed under Amin’s rule. The initial admiration turns into horror and fear as Garrigan realizes he is entangled in a dangerous authoritarian regime. Stuck in a complex web of political intrigue and personal danger, he faces moral dilemmas and must find a way to navigate the perilous circumstances he finds himself in. His journey from naivety to a harrowing awareness of reality marks a profound transformation as the stakes continue to escalate.