Strengthening Prevention of Childhood Sexual Violence
Young people help communities recognise risks. Adults take responsibility for safe reporting and response.
ACT Uganda worked with pupils, families, schools and local protection structures to make prevention and reporting clearer. With support from Ignite Philanthropy through THRIVE Together, the project strengthened youth leadership alongside the adult systems children need when they seek help.
Project period: April 2025 – March 2026 · Support: Ignite Philanthropy, THRIVE Together
50
young leaders supported
452
students in 21 peer sessions
118
men and boys in six dialogues
Youth leadership, backed by adult responsibility
ACT Uganda supported 25 Girls’ Rights Champions and 25 Lived Experience Youth Scientists. These young leaders helped plan peer sessions, identify unsafe situations and explain reporting options in language other learners could understand.
Across 21 sessions, 452 students took part. Six dialogues with 118 men and boys—including fathers, male teachers and pupils—focused on their role in preventing harm.
Young leaders were not asked to investigate abuse or handle disclosures alone. Trained adults remained responsible for assessment, referral and follow-up.
Clearer routes to trusted adults
After the peer sessions, 14 children raised concerns through supported reporting channels. ACT Uganda assessed each concern privately; six required formal referral. These figures describe supported reporting—not young people investigating or managing cases.
The young people’s evidence and follow-up advocacy contributed to the reinstatement of the Padibe East Police Post. The Child Protection and Welfare Committee also became more active in receiving concerns and linking children to support.
Safeguarding is an adult responsibility
The project supported ten staff and volunteers to sign safeguarding declarations, completed ten activity risk assessments, and held six staff reflection sessions. The team used these sessions to review difficult work and improve response while protecting children’s identities.
ACT Uganda will continue supporting youth leaders, strengthening family discussions and tracking whether referrals are completed. Children can help shape solutions; adults remain accountable for protection.