Idi Amin was the real President/Dictator of Uganda from 1971-1979. Forest Whitaker's portrayal capturing Amin's charisma, volatility, and brutality is widely considered historically resonant and accurate in essence.

Nicholas Garrigan is a fictional protagonist created for the novel and film. While possibly inspired by some foreigners who were close to Amin, his specific story, actions, and relationships are invented.

Kay Amin was one of Idi Amin's real wives who died under mysterious circumstances. The film depicts her tragic fate but invents the central affair with the fictional Nicholas Garrigan as the cause.

Sarah Merrit is a fictional character representing foreign aid workers in Uganda and serving as an initial romantic interest and moral compass for Garrigan.

Stone is a fictional character representing British diplomatic and intelligence interests observing and dealing with Amin's regime.

Dr. Wasswa appears to be a fictional character representing Ugandan officials and ministers who served under Amin, illustrating the precarious position of those within his government.

The film accurately portrays Amin's coup and consolidation of power, reflecting the real-life events, although some details are fictionalized for dramatic effect.

The film's portrayal of the expulsion of Asians from Uganda is consistent with historical accounts of this event, including the violence and chaos that accompanied it.

The close, personal relationship depicted between Amin and Garrigan is entirely fictional. No such relationship existed in reality.

Amin's mental state is depicted as increasingly unstable, which aligns with historical accounts and analyses of his leadership.

Garrigan's involvement in an attempt to oust Amin is a fabrication of the film's narrative. No such event involving a figure like Garrigan is recorded.

The film omits any mention of the Entebbe hijacking, a major event during Amin's rule. This omission is significant, as it leaves out a key part of the historical context.

The film suggests Amin received some form of medical treatment from Garrigan. There's no real evidence to support this and it's likely a dramatic device.

Garrigan's dramatic escape in the film is a complete work of fiction. No such escape occurred, given that Garrigan is fictional himself.

The film shows Amin's use of propaganda and manipulation, which is in line with historical evidence of his regime's methods.

While the film depicts Amin's eventual overthrow, it simplifies the complex geopolitical factors and Ugandan resistance movements that contributed to his downfall.

While the film doesn't graphically depict all the atrocities, it acknowledges the scale of violence and human rights abuses under Amin's rule, which is a crucial historical aspect.

The film suggests foreign powers' involvement with Amin's regime, which aligns with the historical context of the Cold War and its impact on African politics.