Uganda’s state minister of gender, Peace Mutuzo, announced the launch of the SAUTI-116 helpline, providing women across the country with a direct reporting mechanism for cases of sexual harassment, including incidents involving supervisors and managers. Mutuzo emphasized the significance of the helpline in combating gender-based violence (GBV), calling it a “breaking point” in the country’s efforts to address violence. The SAUTI-116 helpline is designed to handle reports from all Ugandans, including refugees, providing a holistic system to protect victims and contribute to ending the pain and suffering caused by GBV.
The minister encouraged both men and women who have experienced gender-based violence to utilize the digital reporting system and report cases to the authorities for redress. She emphasized the urgency of addressing unprecedented violence against women and children and called on men suffering in violent homes to use the helpline and not remain silent.
The SAUTI-116 helpline infrastructure and software cost one billion Ugandan shillings (UGX 1 billion), and its launch was celebrated at the Uganda Child Helpline headquarters in Kireka, Kampala. Minister Mutuzo commended development partners and international NGOs for their support in spearheading the fight against violence against children and GBV. The helpline aims to contribute to creating a violence-free society and providing protection for both girls and women.
The launch event included the presentation of awards to child organization representatives for their contributions to the installation of the helpline system and their instrumental role in combating gender-based violence and violence against children. The integrated SAUTI-116 helpline system is expected to play a crucial role in addressing and preventing incidents of gender-based violence in Uganda.
