LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An 11-year-old Ugandan boy whose legs were severely burned four years ago received the ability to walk on his own again this Christmas.

Adolf Baguma arrived in Los Angeles on Nov. 19 to begin the process of getting free reconstructive surgery on his legs, which was generously paid for by the Children’s Burn Foundation after they were notified about the boy’s situation in Uganda.

When Adolf was 7 years old, his legs became fused, or webbed, behind his knees when his 14-year-old aunt threw hot banana leaves at him as a punishment for eating.

Dr. Peter Grossman performed two surgeries on both of Adolf’s legs at the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills.

“The problem we faced in surgery was not just the skin, but the shrinkage, or the contraction, of the muscle. That was the most challenging part for us. To be able to get the muscle to its normal length,” said Grossman.

He continued, “Once we were able to get the leg straightened… then we had to find a way to cover the wound. We had to take a fairly large portion of skin from his abdomen and cover both the left and right lower extremity.”

Doctors said Adolf’s ability to walk gets better day by day.

“I’m happy! For walking,” said Adolf.

The 11-year-old was so confident about walking again that he got a bicycle for Christmas.

Adolf said, “Yes, (I’m going to be riding my bike). I’m sure.”

The young boy now has weeks of therapy ahead of him.

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