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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Andy Richardson & Phil Norris

Newly-wed dad dies trying to save his son from the River Nile

A dad has died trying to save his son who got into difficulty in the River Nile in Uganda. Newly-wed Robert Kaweesi, 48, jumped into the river but disappeared in the water, according to reports.

His 12-year-old son was saved by bystanders but the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office later confirmed Mr Kaweesi had died. It is understood Mr Kaweesi was on holiday with his wife Justine Katantazi, and their four children, BirminghamLive reports.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Uganda and are in contact with the local authorities”.

The family had been staying in a lodge on the banks of the Nile in the town of Pakwach, in the north of the East Africa country. It is reported the 12-year-old went swimming in the river at around 6.40pm on Wednesday but got into trouble, prompting his father, from Birmingham, to jump in to help.

Ms Katantazi told the BBC her husband, a UK citizen, originally from Uganda, who worked as a refrigeration contractor, had been trying to save their son when he disappeared. She also confirmed they had married in Uganda in early August.

Police in Uganda said Mr Kaweesi, together with his family members and a driver, were staying at Gipir and Labongo Safari Lodge located along the bank of River Nile in Pakwach. Mr Kaweesi was believed to have been living in the UK for the last 20 years.

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