Online Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents in Uganda: A Critical Review of Gaps, Opportunities, and Policy Pathways.

Sexual violence against children and adolescents is still a challenge, worsened by the rise in the use of internet, computers, and mobile devices leading to novel online routes of perpetrating child sexual violence (OCSV). However, OCSV remains inadequately addressed within Uganda's existing policy and child protection frameworks. This study reviews existing policies and global interventions for OCSV, and identifies gaps and opportunities in Uganda, proposing evidence-based and cost-effective recommendations for prevention. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which examined mapped organizations, relevant policies, and preventive interventions. The analysis reveals country-specific and international gaps in legislation. It highlights key strategies for prevention, including educational programs on internet safety, early detection and reporting, victim support, and workforce training. Tertiary prevention includes offender treatment and sentencing. Canada's comprehensive approach to sextortion offers a valuable case study. Despite Uganda's "Safer Schools" initiative and child protection laws, OCSV remains under-addressed. We recommend targeted education, a national reporting system, and international cooperation to combat OCSV.