Army officers in Nwoya District on Friday rescued a man who attempted to jump into the fast-flowing waters of the River Nile at Karuma Bridge.
The individual, identified only as Ashraf and estimated to be about 23 years old, had reportedly traveled from Kampala, as indicated by a bus ticket found in his possession.
Security personnel stationed at the bridge noticed his unusual behaviour and intervened quickly, stopping him before he could leap into the river.
According to police, Ashraf claimed that a “mystic power” had instructed him to jump into the Nile so that they could “float together up to Egypt and back.”
Authorities suspect that Ashraf may be experiencing psychiatric challenges. He told officers that he had lost both of his parents and could not remember any living relatives.
He has since been referred to the Psychiatric Unit at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
David Ongom Mudong, the Police Spokesperson for the Aswa West Region, confirmed the incident and said efforts are ongoing to trace Ashraf’s family members.