SAUTI 116 hailed for protecting the vulnerable

Government officials and representatives from UN agencies visited the SAUTI 116 Child Helpline facility in Kireka, Kampala on 8 April 2025, to witness its critical role in protecting children from violence, abuse, and exploitation across Uganda.

The field visit, organized as part of the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), showcased the toll-free helpline's comprehensive approach to child protection and its contribution to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its establishment in 2013 with support from UNICEF and UNFPA, SAUTI 116 has evolved into a crucial lifeline for vulnerable children, handling approximately 1,500 calls daily and managing 30-40 new cases each day. These cases range from child neglect and physical abuse to trafficking and sexual exploitation.

During the visit, participants toured the helpline facility and received demonstrations of innovative tools including the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Chatbot and upgraded Case Management Information System. Officials also examined the police forensics evidence collection van, which plays a vital role in ensuring justice for survivors of violence.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, expressed gratitude to the UN agencies for their continued support. "Government of Uganda is thankful to UN agencies who ensure that SAUTI is in place to help the vulnerable. Partnerships are important to ensure efforts are combined towards achieving a common goal," he said.

Alison Parker, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, commended the strong partnership between UN agencies and the government. "This collaboration creates sustainable results," she noted, while appreciating the multi-sectoral approach that brings together medical, forensic, and justice services.

Ms. Lydia Zigomo, Regional Director for UNFPA East and Southern Africa, advised the SAUTI team to "use social media to your advantage, pick voices from social media," and emphasized the importance of specialization rather than trying to handle all cases. She also praised the helpline's effective referral pathway and follow-up mechanisms.

"This integrated approach to child protection represents the exact kind of multi-sectoral collaboration we need to address violence against women and children effectively," remarked Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for UN Women East and Southern Africa.

The SAUTI 116 helpline has expanded its services in recent years to include Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, demonstrating its adaptability to evolving child protection needs.

Multi-year UNICEF-led intervention under the Spotlight Initiative funded by the EU to strengthen national and sub-national systems to prevent and respond to violence against women, children and adolescents.

The project focuses on integrated VAC, GBV, harmful practice and SRHR, prevention and response services, including community mobilization, parenting, case management, justice for children, and MHPSS, with strong government leadership and multi-sectoral coordination.

The Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, being held in Uganda from 9-11 April under the theme "Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth through Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063", brings together stakeholders to follow up and review progress on both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063.