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.
“Effective service delivery is critical for promoting economic growth and development and fighting poverty because the government’s core principle is ensuring the needs of citizens are met.”
According to the ministry officials, by the end of the manifesto period, the MODVA will have delivered on 95% overall of its commitments, stating that the unmet commitments will be handled as follows: referral hospitals will be completed within this FY, unpaid pension backlog cases will have been paid by the end of the manifesto period, and housing accommodations for soldiers will have been partially addressed.
Uganda and Mozambique signed MoUs in Veterans and Combatant Management, protection of wildlife, and mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic, service/official, and ordinary passports.
"Part of the problem with Africans is that they look at the Army as a job. The Army is not a job; it’s an obligation to defend your country. When you are defending your country, it’s not a job. Don’t bring careerism in the Army. You have an obligation to defend the country."