Man attempts to jump off Karuma bridge to ‘float’ to Egypt
Security personnel stationed at Karuma bridge on Friday afternoon intercepted a 23-year-old man who attempted to jump into the fast-flowing River Nile, claiming he intended to “float” to Egypt, which is approximately 6,650 kilometres away.
The man, identified only as Ashraf, had boarded a Crown Bus from Kampala and disembarked at Karuma town, after which he proceeded towards the bridge with the intention of diving into the river.
In a statement released on Sunday, Aswa West River Region police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, noted that security officers became concerned after observing the man’s suspicious behaviour near the bridge and intervened just in time.
“Upon interrogation, Ashraf alleged that he had received instructions from a friend who only appears and disappears in his mind,” said Mudong.
“This ‘friend’ had convinced him to jump into the Nile at Karuma so they could float together to Egypt and return.”
Ashraf further told police that he had lost both of his parents and does not remember any of his relatives. Based on his statements and erratic behaviour, police suspect he is suffering from a serious mental health condition.
Mudong said that Ashraf is now receiving psychiatric care at the Gulu regional referral hospital mental health clinic.
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