Brit dad killed after diving into River Nile to save son, 12, who became ‘overpowered’ by the water on dream holiday
A BRIT dad has died after diving into the River Nile in a desperate bid to save his son.
Robert Kaweesi, from Birmingham, was on a dream three-week holiday with his family when his 12-year-old son became "overpowered" by the water on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old, who had recently got married, jumped in to help him, but was taken away by the current.
His son was saved by a bystander, but the dad-of-five vanished beneath the surface - sparking a two-day search.
Robert's body was found on Friday leaving his family - who had been staying at the Gipir and Labongo Safari Lodge in Pakwachg, Uganda - devastated.
Local police spokesman Josephine Angucia told the Nile Post: "The body of Robert Kaweesi has just been recovered by police divers from the River Nile.
More world news
"They are in the process of transferring the body to Pakwach health centre IV pending post-mortem.
"When they went swimming in the river, the son was overpowered by the waves. The deceased wanted to rescue his son but instead drowned and his son was saved."
Robert's heartbroken family have described him as a "good dad" in an emotional tribute.
His daughter Sylivia Nampijja, 26, said: "He was willing to do anything for anybody. He was always smiling.
Most read in The Sun
"He was a good dad and he loved us all."
Air conditioning and refrigeration contractor Robert split his time between his home in Birmingham, which he shared with his eldest daughter, and Luton, Bedfordshire, where he lived with wife Justine Katantazi and their three sons, 12, 13, and 15, and daughter, nine.
It's understood the couple married earlier this month.
Sylivia added: "As they arrived at the resort, there was an area of water there which is part of the River Nile. The children got excited and they all went in, but they didn't realise the depth.
"My dad saw one of the boys was struggling and gasping for breath and jumped in after him.
"My stepmother and the children are still in Uganda, I'm very worried about them.
Read More on The Sun
"We're trying to extend their flights and their visa as they were meant to return home on Monday next week."
A spokesman 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."