By Ndawula Ronald
LUWERO-UGANDA/NEWSDAY: King Alexander III commonly known as “Alexander the great” was the most expansionist king in history with his empire stretching from Greece, Turkey through Egypt to India.
Many cities across his empire like the Port City of Alexandria the second largest in Egypt were named after him.
It is believed Alexander never lost a battle during his 15 year old reign. Alexander took over from his father King Phillip when he was only 16 years and died at 31 years. His military tactics are taught in many military academies across the globe along those of Shaka Zulu.
A story is told how Alexander on many occasions wanted to emulate the ways of life of the people he conquered by learning their languages and wearing like them. He always consulted their gods about his life.
On a particular last consultation, Alexander fell sick after conquering parts of India. He wanted to know when he would die. He was told that he would never die until the world became golden and surrounded in an iron ring!
On hearing this Alexander felt happy that he would never die because this was not going to happen soon. He went to sleep because of sickness and his face was covered by his battle shield which had a gold interior and an iron ring.
When he woke up he realised that the world had turned golden with an iron ring and he realised that his time had come.
Alexander the great pleaded with his men and offered to give part of his empire to anyone who would do anything to help him see his mother for the last time. This was impossible and Alexander died on his way home the next day, failing to have a last glimpse of his lovely mother.
In Uganda, when I see people constantly conquering everything from businesses to Buganda land; politically suppressing divergent views, killing and confiscating people’s property, it reminds me of Alexander’s reign!
One thing am sure of, this too shall pass. How about gaining the whole world and lose your soul.
Christopher Obey siphoned all money meant for pensioners in public service for self-enrichment. He was probably the biggest landlord in the country or there about. He had over 20 companies and properties in Uganda and globally. But as he went to meet his creator, he went with nothing.
If Alexander the great who conquered the then known world realised at the last hour that seeing his mother was worth half his empire how about you who doesn’t care about the needy, the sick and the hungry?
How do you prioritize vehicles when you have the sick without oxygen and most sleep on empty stomachs! Amin was a conqueror of the British Empire. Mobutu was worth billions of dollars but both died on foreign land and no space in their home land.
Libya’s Muammar Gadhafi wanted to conquer not only East Africa but Africa, but died thirsty in a water gutter. Hosni Mubarak was caged in the same life he was President and Zuma is now serving time in Prison less than 10 years from Presidency.
Let the ultimate goal of those charged with looking after others on God’s behalf do it diligently and with empathy for you can’t inherit the earth.
Ndawula Ronald is the former chairman of Luwero District.
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