Man Attempts to Float to Egypt by Jumping from Karuma Bridge

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1046 EAT on Monday 28 July 2025

A 23-year-old man was stopped by security personnel at Karuma Bridge on Friday afternoon as he attempted to jump into the fast-moving River Nile, claiming he planned to “float” all the way to Egypt — a distance of nearly 6,650 kilometres.

The man, identified only as Ashraf, had boarded a Crown Bus from Kampala and disembarked in Karuma town, where he then made his way to the bridge with the intention of diving into the River Nile.

In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson for the Aswa West River Region, David Ongom Mudong, said officers intervened after noticing the man loitering suspiciously near Karuma Bridge.

“During questioning, the individual—identified as Ashraf—claimed he had been instructed by a ‘friend’ who exists only in his mind,” Mudong said.

According to the police, Ashraf believed this imaginary friend had persuaded him to jump into the River Nile at Karuma so they could float together all the way to Egypt and then return.

Ashraf also told police that he had lost both of his parents and could not recall any living relatives. Given his statements and erratic behaviour, officers suspect he may be suffering from a serious mental health condition.

According to Mudong, Ashraf has since been admitted to the mental health unit at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, where he is receiving psychiatric treatment.

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