On Friday afternoon, security personnel at Karuma bridge intercepted a 23-year-old man, identified as Ashraf, who attempted to jump into the fast-flowing River Nile with the intention of floating to Egypt, approximately 6,650 kilometers away.
Ashraf had traveled from Kampala on a Crown Bus and disembarked at Karuma town before heading to the bridge to dive into the river.
Aswa West River Region police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong stated on Sunday that security officers noticed Ashraf’s suspicious behavior near the bridge and intervened promptly.
During interrogation, Ashraf claimed he was following instructions from a friend who appears and disappears in his mind, urging him to jump into the Nile to float together to Egypt and return.
Ashraf also revealed to the police that he had lost both parents and could not recall any relatives. Due to his statements and erratic behavior, police suspect he may be suffering from a serious mental health condition.
Ashraf is currently receiving psychiatric care at the Gulu regional referral hospital mental health clinic.