Helplines in Uganda

Crisis helpline and chat service operated by AYINET (African Youth Initiative Network), an NGO based in Lira. Digital innovation aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and promoting peace. Provides listening support for mental health, depression, and various life concerns. Accessible via multiple platforms.

24/7 toll-free Gender-Based Violence helpline operated by Uganda Police Force's Department of Child and Family Protection. Established in May 2020 with UN Women support. Reports domestic violence, sexual assault, and other GBV cases. Based at Police Headquarters in Naguru.

FREE 24/7 toll-free consultation service for paediatric and adolescent HIV/AIDS/TB. Launched Dec 2015 by Baylor Foundation-Uganda. Provides real-time technical responses to health workers and clients. Offers HIV/TB technical support, linkages, referrals, HIV self-testing guidance, general HIV/TB information.

24/7 toll-free child protection helpline operated by Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development with UNICEF support. Established 2013-2014. Handles ~1,500 calls daily reporting child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and children's rights violations. Provides counseling, crisis intervention, and links children to care services. Also handles GBV and mental health cases.

24-hour youth-to-youth telephone helpline providing psychosocial support, counseling, information, and referrals for young people. Operated by Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF). Launched July 2022 during COVID-19. Covers sexual/reproductive health, gender-based violence, menstrual health, and mental health support.

FREE legal aid and crisis helpline for women. Established 1974, provides free legal services through 20 district offices. Toll-free support via phone, SMS, and online chat. Counselors help with domestic violence, family issues, abuse, trauma, legal problems. Nationwide coverage. Free legal representation, protection orders, Open Days for community legal support.

FREE confidential hotline for survivors and victims of sexual violence, especially childhood sexual abuse. Founded 2018 by sexual abuse survivor Janet Aguti. Provides peer support, life coaching (in-person and online), medical and legal support for severe cases. Anonymous interactions enable emotional care for trauma survivors.

FREE toll-free helpline for refugees and asylum-seekers in Uganda. Operated by UN Refugee Agency. Submit complaints, feedback, fraud reports. Get guidance on UNHCR services including registration, resettlement, protection, support. Serves vulnerable populations including women, children. All UNHCR services provided free of charge.

Centre of Excellence for addiction services providing treatment and rehabilitation for substance use disorders. Launched free community-based treatment services in 2017 for low-income populations. Offers outpatient services, support groups, and periodic free treatment camps. Uganda's leading treatment center for alcohol and substance use disorders.

FREE fellowship providing mutual support for alcohol recovery. No dues or fees - self-supporting through voluntary contributions. Only requirement is desire to stop drinking. Open meetings (with guests) and closed meetings (members only). Groups meet 1-2x weekly across Uganda including Kampala, Jinja.