What Goes Up Must Come Down

There comes a time when we reach peak performance, abundance or incomparable power. We are at the top of our game however mundane or lowbrow. If we are lucky, we recognize this zenith, act skillfully and enjoy and extend this period. Only for a time, however. Even a snake shades its old skin. Sooner than later, decline sets in, and we must let go, handling the downward slope with equanimity for the benefits of all concerned, or be forced to let go.

When the sun reaches the center, it begins to set. When the moon becomes full, it begins to wane. (Karcher, 2009). In arrogance and/or delusion, we often fail to read or ignore the natural flow. The drunken old man goes bar hopping. What a pitiful sight! Once we brought Fundamental Change and demolished the old. Now, we say: No Change, We are It! What about that!

Mr. Museveni peaked ten years ago. Now he is the drunken old man trying to carouse with the youth of ideas. He is the old hunter insisting that he still has it. Put him under stress, and you will know what he is made of. He will lash out, but the natural forces will prevail.

Wisdom should have informed him to consolidate the rule of law, good intentions and fairness that would have been equally beneficial to him as he staggers to his grave. Instead of accepting natural change, he is spooked and grips tightly. The consequence is a country “—full of distrust, intrigue, hidden motives and general air of darkness.” (Wu Wei, 95). We are back to where we came from: Free speech is muzzled, presidency for life, rule by the gun, and sections of society are hurt and are angered.

Give it days, months or a few more years, it will all unravel. What concerned Ugandans need to be thinking is how to repair post-Museveni era. And Einstein would tell us: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.