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 suspects further revealed that they have been charging each member of the public between UGX 2,000 AND UGX 5,000 at registration centers, including Nyawuka, Bubukwanga, Buganikire, and Ntandi town councils.
In 2023 the former LOP, Matthias Mpuuga, visited Mityana General Hospital, and he was informed by the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Ssentamu, that for more than five months, the facility did not have supplies of essential drugs, a breakdown of equipment like beds, anesthetic machines, and patient monitors, posing a challenge in the management of patients with varying ailments.
The 2022/2023 Annual Crime Report indicated that Luwero district, along with Kassanda, has been identified as a hotspot for mob justice incidents. The report noted that many victims are often suspected thieves or robbers, reflecting a community tendency to take the law into their own hands rather than relying on formal judicial processes.