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.
Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions are still facing various challenges, including land wrangles, climate change, where landslides and floods recently hit the region andvover 15 lives were lost, HIV/AIDS, and high levels of poverty irrespective of the government’s initiative to initiate programs like PDM, Emyooga, and the 4-acre model in the region. This calls for the leaders to intensify efforts to put an end to such.
“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.”
Ugandans can follow Manifesto Week’s updates and participate through social media, national broadcast, and local radios, making this a true national event for accountability.
“Every child is meant to be at school, and the teachers in UPE and USE schools are paid salaries, so there shouldn't be issues of illiteracy in communities, high rates of school dropouts, and absenteeism."