Uganda police search Nile for tourist who went to rescue son

Police in Uganda are searching for a British citizen who is suspected to have drowned in the River Nile on Wednesday evening.

The 48-year-old tourist had travelled with his family on holiday to the north-west of the country. Incidents of tourists drowning in the Nile in Uganda are uncommon.

The family of six tourists and a driver had checked into a lodge on the banks of the Nile in Pakwach, before going swimming in the river, his wife Justine Katantazi has told the BBC.

Robert Kaweesi, a British citizen of Ugandan origin, is said to have jumped into the river to rescue his 12-year-old son, who had got into trouble.

The son, only identified as Lucas, was rescued by bystanders, but Mr Kaweesi is still missing, a regional police spokesperson said.

Tourist lodges normally advise visitors to be cautious about swimming in the river.

A spokesperson for the UK’s foreign ministry said that they are supporting the family and in contact with local authorities in Uganda.

The couple had travelled on holiday with their four children, Ms Katantazi said.

She described her husband as a happy and jolly man.