In the 1970s, a young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan, travels to Uganda in search of adventure and a way to escape the monotony of his life in Scotland. Once there, he becomes embroiled in the turbulent politics of the country when he becomes the personal physician of the charismatic and brutal dictator, Idi Amin. As Garrigan delves deeper into the leader's life, he becomes fascinated by his magnetism and undeniable strength, but soon realizes the dark reality surrounding Amin.
The relationship between Garrigan and the dictator evolves, becoming more intense and dangerous as Amin makes increasingly erratic and violent decisions that lead the country to ruin. Nicholas, caught between his desire to be part of something great and his growing horror at the regime's brutality, begins to question his role. The doctor feels guilty as he comes to realize that his ambition has made him complicit in a regime that is driving his people into despair and fear.
The story turns into a chilling portrait of power, betrayal, and morality, where loyalty and survival are at stake in an environment where humanity seems to fade away. In the end, Garrigan finds himself at a crossroads, facing the consequences of his choices in a country on the brink of disaster.