sautichl@mglsd.go.ug | sautichl@gmail.com
116

Operational, 24/7

In October 2007, ITU asked all countries around the World to allocate 116 to Child Helplines in because “an easy-to-remember telephone number makes it easier to protect children’s rights and welfare”.

We are Social

About Sauti

In 2005, the first ever Toll Child Helpline Service in Uganda was initiated by Uganda Child Rights NGO Network and her two-member organizations; ANPPCAN Uganda Chapter and Action for Children (AFC) who were already running telephone services for children, with support from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Vision

A society in which all children are protected and supported to realize their aspirations.

Mission

A sustainable Uganda Child Helpline service embedded into society and consistently offering timely and quality services that respond to child protection needs.

The two toll free numbers (0800111222 and 0800111333) which were accessible on all networks were provided by Uganda Telecom Limited, who also met the call costs from other networks and supported publicity of the lines.


The Child Helpline is a technology-based outreach service that links children in need of care and protection to services and resources, it offers a confidential mechanism through which children can report abuse and access supportive services and resources including but not limited to counselling, rescue, health and justice services.

  • 2007

    ITU asked all countries around the World to allocate 116 to Child Helplines in because “an easy-to-remember telephone number makes it easier to protect children’s rights and welfare”.

  • 2013

    MGLSD in partnership with UCRNN and UNICEF lobbied for 116 to be designated as a child helpline number

    August 2013, 116 was officially designated as an emergency and toll free number by UCC.

    On 4th November, the first call was received by UCHL on the code 116

  • 2014

    In December, government (MGLSD) took over the management of UCHL from UCRNN.

  • 2016

    UCHL was instituted by law (Children’s Act cap 59 2016 (as Amended)) section 42 C
Operations at Sauti

Our Operations

  • UCHL is also known by its brand name Sauti
  • Operates on the short code 116 (toll free) accessible from any telecom network.
  • Operational 24/7 and accessible from every part of the country
  • The counselors speak several local languages