Bob Astles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Astles
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Robert Asketill
23 March 1924 |
| Died | 29 December 2012 (aged 88) South West London, UK
|
| Other names | "Major Bob" "The White Rat" |
| Citizenship | British Ugandan (until 1985) |
| Occupation | Soldier, colonial officer |
| Known for | Association with Ugandan dictator Idi Amin |
| Spouse(s) |
Monica Astles
(m. 1958; div. 1959)Mary Senkatuka
(m. 1959) |
| Children | 2 |
| Military career | |
| Branches |  British Indian Army British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| War | World War II |
Robert Astles, also known as Bob Astles, was a British soldier and government worker. He was born on March 23, 1924, and passed away on December 29, 2012. He lived in Uganda for many years. During his time there, he worked closely with two Ugandan presidents, Milton Obote and Idi Amin.
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Early Life and Military Service
Bob Astles was born in a place called Ashford, Kent in the United Kingdom. When he was a teenager, he joined the British Indian Army. Later, he joined the Royal Engineers, which is a part of the British Army. He became a Lieutenant. He once said he enjoyed meeting people from different countries during World War II. When he was 21, he left the UK and moved to Africa.
Working in Uganda
In 1949, Bob Astles went to Uganda for special duties during a local uprising. His first job in Uganda was helping with government construction projects. Later, he started his own airline called Uganda Aviation Services Ltd. This airline was special because it was the first in Uganda to hire African workers. As Uganda prepared to become an independent country in 1962, Astles became involved with different political groups. One of these groups was led by Milton Obote, who became Uganda's first leader after independence.
Working with Idi Amin
Bob Astles worked for Milton Obote's government until 1971. That year, there was a military takeover, and Idi Amin became the new president. Astles then started working for Amin's government.
At first, Amin was suspicious of Astles because he had supported Obote. Amin sent him to a prison called Makindye Prison. Bob Astles stayed there for 17 weeks. He later said that ordinary Ugandans helped him survive during this difficult time.
In 1975, Astles officially joined Amin's team. He became the head of the group that fought against corruption. He also gave advice to President Amin about British affairs. At the same time, he managed a pineapple farm and helped run an aviation service for government members. Astles once said he kept quiet about what he saw, which was what the leaders liked.
People had different ideas about Bob Astles's role during Amin's rule. Some thought he had a bad influence on the president. Others believed he helped to calm Amin down and made things better. Astles himself claimed he was the only person Amin truly trusted. He said he was one of the few people who could handle Amin when he was angry. He became known as "Major" Bob, a title given to him by Amin. Some other white people in Uganda called him "the White Rat."
Time in Prison
After the Uganda–Tanzania War in 1979, Bob Astles left Uganda. He crossed Lake Victoria in a small boat to reach Kenya. The next day, Idi Amin also left Uganda, and his rule ended. In Kenya, Astles gave himself up to the authorities.
Kenyan officials later sent him back to Uganda to face questions. He was held in prison because people thought he was connected to Amin's security team.
Bob Astles was accused of various serious actions. He said he was not guilty of any of them. He stated that he never committed any bad acts himself and never saw Amin commit any. Astles explained that he lived in constant fear while working for Amin. He said he stayed in his position because he hoped he could do some good for Uganda.
Astles was found not guilty of the accusations. However, he remained in Luzira Prison for four more years. This was because the government still considered him a threat to the country's safety.
On December 4, 1985, Bob Astles gave up his Ugandan citizenship. He was set free from prison the very next day. Five days later, he returned to the United Kingdom.
Personal Life
In 1958, Bob Astles married Monica, who had come to Uganda with him. They divorced a year later. In 1959, Astles married Mary Senkatuka, who was from a royal family in the Buganda kingdom. They later adopted two children.
Later Years and Death
In his later life, Bob Astles lived in Wimbledon, London. He continued to deny the accusations that had led to his imprisonment. After returning to Britain, he spent his time speaking out against powerful countries interfering in Africa's politics and economy. He also wrote articles about African affairs for various publications.
Bob Astles passed away in South West London on December 29, 2012, at the age of 88. An article in The Telegraph newspaper described him as "the most hated white man in postcolonial Africa."
Film and Books
Bob Astles's life has been shown in films and books. The actor Leonard Trolley played him in the 1982 movie Amin: the Rise and Fall. The character Nicholas Garrigan in the book and film The Last King of Scotland was partly based on some events from Astles's life. The author, Giles Foden, interviewed Astles while writing his novel.
