4-year-old in Pader district sustains severe burns as child fries food

25 August 2025, 2:20 pm

By Ayiro Golden Vicky

Lakaraber Prisca Hope, a four-year-old girl, is currently receiving treatment for severe burns at St Joseph Hospital in Kitgum District following an accident involving boiling cooking oil at around 1:00 pm on Sunday, 24 August 2025. The incident occurred in Otumpili Ward, Ogom Subcounty, Pader District.

According to eyewitnesses, the child had gone to play with her peers in the neighbourhood when tragedy struck. A 12-year-old boy, while attempting to fry food for his family, grabbed a saucepan containing cooking oil that had caught fire. In panic, he threw it away, unknowingly splashing the boiling oil onto the young girl and causing severe burns from her face down to her legs.

The victim was first rushed to Ultimate Choice Clinic in Pader Town Council before being transferred to St Joseph’s Hospital in Kitgum, where she is currently receiving medical attention.

Okello George, the victim’s father and LC1 Chairperson of Otumpili Ward, confirmed the incident and appealed to well-wishers and the general public to support his daughter’s treatment and recovery.

This tragic event comes barely a day after the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Pader, Ogole Washington, urged parents and guardians to take individual responsibility for their children’s safety during the ongoing school holiday.

He advised parents to show love and provide children with their basic needs so that respect is earned rather than enforced through fear. He also stressed the importance of dedicating time to children and preparing early by securing school fees and scholastic materials ahead of the third term.

To holidaymakers, Ogole called for discipline and respect for others, regardless of age.

Authorities have once again urged communities to remain vigilant and to safeguard children from preventable harm, especially during holiday periods when they are more likely to be unsupervised.