Uganda: From Helpline to Lifeline - Sauti 116 Supports Children and Adults in Uganda
Each day, over 1,025 calls come through a single number: 116, which is Sauti, Uganda's national call and case management centre providing 24/7 support to children and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Meaning "voice" in Kiswahili, Sauti began as a child protection line in 2013 with support from UNICEF and is now run by Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with strategic support from Spotlight Initiative.
Sauti has a team of counsellors trained to handle emergencies ranging from child neglect (49 per cent of cases) to physical abuse (29 per cent) and sexual abuse (19 per cent), and a growing number of male survivors are also using Sauti.
- Child neglect: 49% of cases
- Physical abuse: 29% of cases
- Sexual abuse: 19% of cases
Sauti isn't just a call centre, it's a lifesaving network, with a centre in Kireka, Wakiso District staffed by people from different regions, ensuring multiple languages are available to callers.
Sauti means "voice" in Kiswahili
Author's summary: Sauti 116 provides vital support to children and survivors of GBV in Uganda.