His political fate exemplifies both the folly and wisdom of election campaign promises to cut taxes. George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States and is the father of George W. Bush, its 43rd President. This statement is said to have earned him four years at the helm of the world's most powerful economy - and denied him another four years. It was music to the ears of millions of Americans who, incredibly enough, believed that there was no economic downside to simultaneously effecting a significant cut in taxes and a significant boost in defence spending. It helped Mr Bush beat a less daring Michael Dukakis.
Taxes are a perennial irritant among the voting public everywhere.
That is why, in Uganda's recent presidential election, almost all of the candidates seemed to prefer the Bush approach, pledging to reduce or eliminate all kinds of taxes. President Yoweri Museveni, the victor, promised to abolish many of the taxes that are essential for keeping his key economic reforms on course. After Bush assumed office, he realised that his election winning pledge could spark off a deficit-induced economic disaster. He jettisoned the whole misconceived plan. President Museveni, perhaps one of the most fascinating rulers in Africa, is probably luckier than Mr Bush.