According to officials, the repatriation was facilitated through cooperation between the governments of Uganda and South Sudan. Maj Gen Otto worked alongside Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Gen Ronnie Balya, to secure the return of the former abductees, while South Sudanese authorities provided support throughout the operation.

The practice in Karamoja, where some families still demand 100 heads of cattle as the bride price, creates an avenue for the women to be treated like property in marriages.