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.
Rukiga district has been plagued by ongoing land disputes, often leading to violent confrontations, hence indicating a pattern of violence associated with land ownership conflicts, including other attacks and fatalities related to similar disputes.
Recent reports indicate a surge in violence linked to family land disputes in Bukomansimbi and surrounding districts. For instance, on September 16, 2024, a 50-year-old man identified as Umaru Nsubuga was attacked and stabbed to death while other family members were brutally injured.
Recent reports indicate a troubling surge in violence linked to land disputes in Bukomansimbi and surrounding areas, particularly in Greater Masaka. Police recently reported that between July 22 and August 23, 2024, at least 15 people had been killed in attacks attributed to land conflicts, with many incidents occurring in Bukomansimbi, Lwengo, and Masaka districts.