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.
“To ensure that our leaders are completely isolated from robust legal representation, the state has denied entry to our international lead counsel, Senior Counsel Martha Karua, at Entebbe International Airport. By blocking an international jurist, the regime has signaled its absolute contempt for international legal standards and regional protocols,” the statement read in part.
“We also thank the sister parties, the opposition in particular, coming out to condemn and demand the release of our party President, Lukwago. Some parties have held press conferences and have written statements to pressure security to release Lukwago,” Lulume said.
The court, however, revealed that 18 other accused in the cases of the Nsambya assault and Makindye robbery were still at large and yet to be apprehended by the police.