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.
“This action constitutes a blatant and unconstitutional political persecution prohibited under Article 43 (2)( a ) of the constitution, which explicitly states that nothing in the general limitations clause shall permit political persecution,” he said adding that it further violates Articles 120 (5) and 120 (6) which mandate that the DPP exercise prosecutorial authority with impartiality, integrity and free from partisan or political direction.