Bob Astles joined the British Indian Army as a teenager and then the Royal Engineers, reaching the rank of lieutenant.
21 Facts About Bob Astles
1.
2.
In 1949, Bob Astles was sent on special duties during the Bataka uprising in Buganda.
3.
Bob Astles worked in Obote's government until the 1971 coup d'etat, when he transferred his allegiance to Amin.
4.
In 1975, Bob Astles joined Amin's service, becoming the head of the anti-corruption squad and advising the president on British affairs, while running a pineapple farm.
5.
Bob Astles presided over an aviation service that transported members of the government.
6.
Bob Astles later said "I kept my eyes shut, I said nothing about what I saw, which is what they liked".
7.
In Kisumu, Bob Astles surrendered to Kenyan authorities, who then detained him.
8.
Bob Astles was brought back to Uganda to face criminal charges.
9.
Nevertheless, it was suspected that the bomb was actually meant for Bob Astles, who had refused to fly on the aircraft.
10.
Bob Astles was imprisoned for his alleged association with Amin's security apparatus.
11.
Bob Astles was charged with murder, armed robbery, theft, shopbreaking, and stealing from a private house.
12.
Bob Astles said he had never committed any murders, never witnessed any murders, never heard Amin order any murders, and never saw Amin murder anyone.
13.
Bob Astles said he had lived in constant fear while in Amin's administration, and that he had remained in his position because he thought he could do some good for Uganda.
14.
Bob Astles was acquitted of the charges, but he remained in Luzira Prison for another four years under a detention order because he was considered a threat to state security.
15.
Bob Astles renounced his Ugandan citizenship on 4 December 1985 and he was freed from prison the following day.
16.
Bob Astles returned to the United Kingdom five days later.
17.
Bob Astles later lived in Wimbledon, London, and continued to deny the allegations for which he was imprisoned.
18.
Bob Astles contributed political commentaries to a number of publications associated with Africa.
19.
Bob Astles died in South West London on 29 December 2012 at the age of 88.
20.
Bob Astles was played by Leonard Trolley in the 1982 film Amin: the Rise and Fall.
21.
Bob Astles drew on Vallely's lengthy interview in The Times.