The appeal follows a government directive on National Cleaning Days, which the church says, if implemented on Saturdays, would conflict with Sabbath worship observed by Adventists worldwide.
The Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has appealed to the government to safeguard the sanctity of the Sabbath as discussions continue over a proposed National Cleaning Day that was proposed to be held on Saturdays.
In a pastoral letter addressed to the Seventh-day Adventist community and dated July 24, 2026, Uganda Union Mission President Pastor Kajoba Samuel said the church fully supports government efforts to promote a clean and healthy environment but remains firmly committed to the biblical observance of the Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
The appeal follows a government directive on National Cleaning Days, which the church says, if implemented on Saturdays, would conflict with Sabbath worship observed by Adventists worldwide.
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Pastor Kajoba said church leaders are engaging the government in a spirit of mutual respect to find an amicable solution that upholds both the national objective of environmental cleanliness and the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
According to the letter, one of the proposals under discussion is allowing Seventh-day Adventist members to participate in the national cleaning exercise on Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday, subject to agreement between the church and the government.
While reassuring members that constructive dialogue is ongoing, Pastor Kajoba urged Adventists to remain calm, prayerful and steadfast in their faith rather than give in to anxiety or speculation. He cited Philippians 4:6, encouraging believers to present their concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving.
The church leader also reminded members of Ellen G. White’s counsel on prayer and expressed confidence that God would continue to guide the church through the ongoing engagements.
He further called on Adventists to remain united, respect those in authority, faithfully observe God’s commandments and await the outcome of the discussions.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed optimism that the talks would result in a peaceful resolution that respects both the government’s national cleaning programme and the church’s longstanding conviction regarding Sabbath observance.
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