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.
Rugambwa, previously seen and perceived as powerful and well-connected, has now lost the trust and credibility of her executive members, members of the Rukungiri community, and Kigezi at large. In a meeting that sat on Wednesday, November 4, 2024, in Rukungiri, 80% of executive committee members, led by Julius Kahigyiriza, a founding member of Boona Bageigahare, asked her to either hide from the Presidential directives or never to return to Rukungiri District.
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.
It is unfortunate that culture and tradition are not well kept because they are passed on by word of mouth; therefore, they will phase out if not revived and preserved through cultural heritage.
The National Unity Platform has confirmed that they are resuming their countrywide tour on Monday, July 15, 2024, following a meeting between the police and the party leadership.