Astles Senkatuka: small lady with a big warm heart

By Norman Katende   

Former minister of administrative structures and permanent secretary in the Idi Amin government, Mary Astles Senkatuka was laid to rest Tuesday evening at Nalusoga, off Gayaza road.

The life of Aunt Molly, as she was commonly known, came to an end on Friday at Kampala Hospital. She succumbed to a number of old age ailments, ending her 95-year  journey.


Michael Ssenkatuka being consoled


A memorial service was held in her honour at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe, with different personalities praising her, for her big heart, which led to many calling her Aunt Molly.

Senkatuka married Robert "Bob" Astles, a British soldier and colonial officer who lived in Uganda and became an associate of presidents Milton Obote and Idi Amin.

Robert "Bob" Astles passed on in 2013.

"It is difficult to summarize the life of one who has done so much for herself and her family. She was a great mother but everyone's Aunt Molly," said Allan Shonubi, a city lawyer.



Shonubi grew up under the guidance of Aunt Molly, after his mother passed on while Shonubi was still a child. The mother was one of the 8 siblings of the 10 who had passed on before Aunt Molly.

"She was a very honest person and perfectionists who cared for others. She also had that attention to detail," said Shonubi about the first woman cabinet minister in president Idi Amin's regime, but lived a simple life even at the helm of her ministerial jobs.



"Mom is still around and we will not forget her. She will be in every step we take. She was a very small lady but with a big and warm heart and we will always remember her for that," her daughter Doreen Astles, said as she shed tears for her mom.

"We thank God for the opportunities and experiences that we learnt from her. She was a role model to all, she loved God and had sense of humour," said Doreen in her eulogy.



Michael Senkatuka, the only surviving of the ten children said that he remembered her for being a family pillar, which knew all people's strong point and had that management gift.

"I am now left alone and it is going to be hard. She was the family unity factor with all looking at her advice. Even when daddy was still around, no decision could be made without her approval,” said Michael Senkatuka.




Allan Shonubi grew up at Aunt Molly's home after her mother a younger sister to Aunt Molly passed on



Some of Aunt Molly's grand children