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.
The Bundibugyo’s procurement desk raises serious concerns under Uganda’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, which requires procurement processes to be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, competitive, non-discriminatory, and accountable. The procurement framework also contains safeguards against conflicts of interest and improper influence in contract awards.