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.
Uganda police continues to issue a warning to the public to desist from quick money by running to accidents involving trucks carrying products that are inflammable in order to avoid cases of death caused by blasts or fire explosions.
In the related development, on August 21, 2024, a fuel tanker busted into flame, killing one and injuring two at Rukungiri; on December 13, 2022, one person died in Tororo; in January 2021 on the Northern Bypass, at least 33 people died; on February 12, 2021, four died in Bunyangabu; and on August 12, 2019 in Rubirizi, 20 people died. Such incidences point to the need to sensitize locals on public safety during such incidences.