The kidnappers held her captive for nearly three weeks, demanding up to $1 million before accepting about $200,000 (approximately UGX 700 million). During her captivity, they cut off two of her fingers and sent them alongside a video of her pleading for help to pressure her family into paying the ransom.
Akena referred to historical statements by President Museveni acknowledging the destruction of food supplies and the destitution of about 2.7 million people during that period. He argued that the loss of cattle deprived communities of daily nutrition, household income, school fees, draft power, and soil fertility, leaving effects that continue to be felt today.
Police data shows that nearly 40% of fire incidents in markets are attributed to unauthorized or poorly maintained electrical installations, a factor commonly seen in informal trade environments.
The challenge of garbage collection is not only limited to the USAFI market, but many other markets around the city still face a big challenge of garbage heaps, which not only cause business losses but also pause a big health threat.