Standing courageous in front of a group of visitors, Bbale Rashida, shared her harrowing experience of facing domestic violence. Pregnant at just 17, she endured relentless abuse from her boyfriend, leaving her trapped in a cycle of fear and despair. Rashida recounted the traumatic events that had left an indelible mark on her life. 

When a friend introduced her to SAUTI-116, Rashida found the support she desperately needed. Through the helpline’s counseling, legal assistance, and economic empowerment programs, she regained control of her life. Today, she is an ambassador for change, using her voice to advocate against all forms of violence and inspire others to break free from abuse.

Rashida was among some of the survivors who shared their stories during the high-level visit by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to the SAUTI -116 Helpline in Kireka, the outskirts of Kampala. 

The joint visit that was part of the activities to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) highlighted the need to strengthen response systems and enhance support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women and Children  in Uganda.

The SAUTI-116 Helpline, a national mechanism under the Ministry of Gender, provides 24/7 toll-free support for survivors, offering counseling, legal aid, and referral services. Initially established to handle violence against children cases, the service has since expanded to manage GBV and Female Genital Mutilation among others.

During the visit, stakeholders engaged with SAUTI-116 Helpline staff, who shared the challenges of responding to the increasing number of calls from survivors seeking help for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The delegation also heard firsthand testimonies from survivors whose lives were transformed through the helpline’s services.

Ambassador of Sweden H. E Maria Håkansson reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to eliminating GBV and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, particularly marginalized populations.
"Sweden is proud to support the SAUTI-116 helpline under the Joint Programme on Ending Gender-Based Violence through UN Women and UNFPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender," she stated. "This initiative is critical in ensuring no one is left behind."

UNFPA Uganda Representative, Ms. Gift Malunga, emphasised the need for sustained investment in GBV prevention and response.
"I appreciate the Embassy of Sweden for its steadfast support to the Joint Programme on GBV, which has significantly advanced GBV and sexual and reproductive health and rights programming in Uganda over the past five years," she said. 

"UNFPA remains committed to working alongside the Ministry of Gender, UN Women, and development partners to strengthen these critical services."

Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender, commended UNFPA, the Swedish Embassy, and partners for their investments in Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. She urged survivors to become ambassadors for change, encouraging others to speak out against violence. The Minister also emphasized the economic toll of GBV, stressing the urgent need to shift resources toward prevention rather than crisis response.

Uganda faces a persistent GBV crisis. Despite a slight decline in reported sexual violence from 12.7% in 2016 to 11% in 2022 (UDHS 2022), the rates remain unacceptably high. GBV, harmful practices, negative gender norms, and low socio-economic status continue to strip girls of their agency and autonomy over their sexual and reproductive health (SRH), limiting their access to education and opportunities to reach their full potential. 

This crisis stems from a complex intersection of limited resources, cultural norms, and inadequate Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge, affecting the choices and behaviors of women, girls, and youth across the country. As a lead agency on GBV response, UNFPA supports integrated GBV and SRH programs across 51 districts to address these challenges. The 16 Days of Activism campaign aims to mobilize communities to take a stand against this widespread concern.

Since its inception in 2013, the SAUTI-116 Helpline has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, women, and men across Uganda. The service provides toll-free support for reporting VAC and GBV cases, case management through multiple platforms including social media and U-Report, psychosocial support for survivors, particularly in cases of child sexual abuse, and community awareness campaigns in schools,

communities, and through media.

This visit reinforced the collective responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity, and justice of all survivors.

Written by Emmanet Nabwire