Ten-year-old Vincent Oketch from Uganda is unable to walk normally because his legs have become enormously swollen, forcing him to wear dresses similar to those worn by girls.

The young boy is facing a severe medical condition every day, with his legs swelling to an elephant-like size for reasons that remain unclear. Doctors have also found signs of a serious bacterial infection that could become life-threatening without timely treatment.

Vincent’s father, Tito Opoya, said: “His life is very difficult because he has to wear blue and pink dresses all day. The children around him always tease him and say he looks like a girl. Although he is small, his legs are extremely heavy, even weighing more than his own body.”

Vincent’s family first noticed something unusual when he was just 18 months old. However, because the family was extremely poor, they could not afford to take him for medical examinations. As the years passed, Vincent’s legs continued to grow increasingly swollen.

Local doctors are currently struggling to determine the exact cause of the condition and the best way to treat it. Some believe Vincent may have a congenital lymphatic disorder, which could cause his legs to become progressively swollen over time.

But Ugandan doctor Isaac Osire believes Vincent may instead be suffering from a severe infection. He has appealed to specialists in Britain for help with diagnosis and treatment, hoping they can save the boy’s legs and protect his life.

Dr. Osire, who runs EDYAC — an organization helping children from impoverished families access medical care — took Vincent to a hospital in Kampala for further examinations.

There, doctors initially considered several possible conditions, including a lymphatic abnormality, elephantiasis-like swelling and tissue deformity. They also discovered that the swelling had affected Vincent’s skeletal system, resulting in a dislocated hip and damage around his ankle bones. A biopsy also indicated that Vincent may have developed severe tissue damage associated with a serious bacterial infection, which could become life-threatening if left untreated.

Dr. Osire said: “The hospital is considering whether Vincent may need an amputation above the knee. I am extremely concerned about this because we keep hearing different diagnoses. It is difficult to know which diagnosis is correct. A British doctor is now traveling to Uganda, and we hope he will be able to meet Vincent within the next few weeks.”