Akena argued that education must provide practical skills to children who drop out before Primary Five, and that investment should begin with training teachers rather than simply expanding enrolment. He said UPE funding of UGX 20,000 per pupil was far below what is required to provide quality education.
“UNEB will not condone any cases of indiscipline. Previously we have had parents running to us telling us that my son or daughter has been sent away from school and now we want you to intervene and force the school to have my child back to do his examination because he is a candidate. We have told them that being a candidate doesn’t immunize your child from following school regulations,” Odongo highlighted.
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.
According to the prosecution, the group comprised 54 adults and 13 children, all of whom were unable to produce valid identification or immigration documents. State Prosecutor Abraham Akandehako told the court that their undocumented stay in Uganda contravened the country's immigration laws and posed potential security concerns.