A seemingly light moment between a nurse and a man now alleged to be her friend turned tragic after he followed a piece of advice that was ostensibly made in jest.
A statement by the National Police Services indicates that Mohamud Haret, a resident of Kora Kora area of Iftin had escorted a patient to Mukono hospital where his friend works as a nurse.
On arrival, he innocently consulted the medic if the methylated spirit he saw at the desk could cause burns.
The nurse is said to have jokingly told him to douse himself with the methylated spirit and strike a matchstick to get the perfect answer to his question.
"Mohamed, trusting the nurse, followed the advice by applying the tingling liquid to his skin. He then lit himself up only to realize the mess he was in when the lit fire engulfed him could hardly be contained," NPS said in a statement.
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Haret sustained serious burns on the chest, face and arms and was transferred to Ghal Private Hospital for further treatment from Mukono Hospital where he had initially been.
The NPS now intends to take action against the nurse for misadvising the friend.
"Causing others to inflict harm and injuries to themselves is a criminal offence. So serious is the offence of aiding, such that in case an act inflicts grievous harm, the consequence can be grave and may even lead to life imprisonment," NPS said.
"Reckless acts can equally earn someone a prison term. We urge the public to desist from dangerous acts that may inflict harm to themselves and those around them."
