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.
During the session, the prosecution asked court for more time to conclude inquiries before the case could proceed to the next stage. The court granted the request and set July 27th as the date for further mention.
"Very many people have been arraigned in court on corruption charges but all these are pawns and just being used to be sacrificed. The main people to be charged and sent behind bars are Anita Annet Among, the former speaker and the Hon. Adolf Mwesige, the clerk to parliament who also happens to be the accounting officer at parliament and no single coin can be released without his knowledge. These two are the main culprits and we will all be happy if charged in court and then remanded for the massive corruption we have seen at parliament,” Olanya said.
The protest was part of a larger movement against corruption in Uganda, which has seen significant public outcry due to high-profile corruption scandals involving government officials.