Kole Arson Survivor's Family Seeks Urgent Aid as Medical Costs Mount

A devastating arson incident in Kole District on April 3, 2026, has left a young boy fighting for his life and his family appealing for urgent help. The attack saw an unknown assailant set fire to a grass-thatched hut where nine-year-old Isaiah Ariko and his three-year-old brother, Raphael Odongo, were sleeping.

Tragically, Raphael succumbed to the flames, while Isaiah sustained critical burn injuries. He was initially rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital before being transferred to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala for specialized care. He remains admitted and in critical condition.

The family’s financial resources are now depleted. Isaiah’s mother, Christine Abongo, lives with a disability, making her unable to cover the extensive medical expenses. Relatives have reportedly sold most of their possessions in an effort to fund Isaiah’s treatment, but the cost of necessary medications, some of which reportedly cost Shs200,000 per bottle, has become overwhelming.

“We’ve sold almost everything and now we cannot afford the medication anymore,” stated Andrew Omona, the children’s uncle, highlighting the family’s desperate situation. They have so far managed to procure only nine bottles of a crucial medicine.

In light of these immense challenges, the family is now appealing to the public, religious leaders, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations for financial support to help save Isaiah’s life. Those willing to contribute can send donations via Mobile Money to 0771680746, registered under Andrew Omona.

Police investigations into the suspected arson attack remain ongoing, with no arrests reported as of Sunday.

Read more at Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/family-appeals-for-help-as-kole-arson-survivor-battles-for-life-5471862