While its natural formation speaks of geological time, it is the human history imprinted upon it that sets Punishment Island apart, transforming it from a mere geographical feature into a site of profound cultural resonance. The island's historical significance is inextricably linked to a deeply ingrained cultural practice within the Bakiga community of old: the abandonment and often fatal punishment of unmarried pregnant girls and women. In a society that placed immense value on premarital chastity and societal order, a female found to be pregnant before marriage faced severe repercussions. Lacking the means or the social support to conceal or address her situation, she would often be banished. Akampene became the designated, albeit cruel, destination for these women. Without resources, without any means of escape or sustenance, they were left to face their fate on the little more than a 215 square foot raised muddy platform, thus earning its name of 'Punishment Island'. The assumption was that they would either perish from the elements, starvation, or despair, serving as a stark warning to others who might contemplate defying societal norms. This practice, while brutal by modern standards, was considered a form of social control and a way to uphold the perceived honour of Bakiga families and the wider community. The island, therefore, became a symbol of shame, desperation, and ultimately, tragedy.