Marvin Oriba, a 12-year-old Primary Four pupil at Pandwong Primary School, is urgently seeking government assistance after losing his right hand to what is believed to be an abandoned teargas canister found near his home in Hilltop Cell, Pandwong Division, Kitgum Municipality.
While playing with three other children, Oriba treated the explosive as a toy, unknowingly triggering an explosion when he removed the pin. The blast caused severe injuries to his right hand, thighs, and stomach, leading to profuse bleeding. Oriba was rushed to Kitgum General Hospital, with only two fingers remaining.
His mother, Ms. Christine Apiyo, and sister, Flavia Lamaro, are in shock and financially unable to support the boy’s medical expenses and future care. Oriba’s father, Mr. Churchill Onencan, appeals to the government for assistance, seeking compensation for medical bills, an artificial arm, education support, and compensation for the family’s trauma.
Dr. Geoffrey Akena, the acting Medical Superintendent at Kitgum General Hospital, explained that amputating the right hand from the wrist was a life-saving measure to prevent further damage. He mentioned that an artificial hand would be required in the future.
Mr. Alex Odongtoo, the former mayor of Kitgum Town, suggests that police vehicles frequenting the area may have inadvertently led to the explosives falling. The Kitgum District Police Commander, Mr. Peter Oyesige, confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
This incident is not isolated, as similar explosive incidents occurred in February 2021 and July 2022, resulting in casualties and injuries.
