The Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has assured its members that it is engaging the Government in search of an amicable solution following the implementation of the National Cleaning Days directive, which the Church says affects Sabbath worship.
In a pastoral letter dated July 24, 2026, addressed to the Seventh-day Adventist community across Uganda, Uganda Union Mission President Pr. Kajoba Samuel called on church members to remain calm, prayerful and steadfast as discussions with the Government continue.
The communication follows the rollout of the Government’s mandatory National Cleaning Days programme, a public sanitation initiative aimed at improving hygiene, environmental cleanliness and public health.
However, because some of the scheduled cleaning activities fall on Saturdays, the SDA Church says the programme conflicts with its observance of the Sabbath.
While reaffirming the Church’s support for environmental conservation, Pr. Kajoba said the denomination remains committed to the biblical observance of the Sabbath.
“While the Seventh-day Adventist Church fully supports initiatives that promote a clean and healthy environment, we remain committed to the sanctity of the Seventh-day Sabbath as ordained by God,” the pastoral letter states.
The Church explained that the Sabbath is observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, during which members refrain from ordinary work and dedicate the time to worship, fellowship, acts of mercy and communion with God.
It cited biblical passages including Genesis 2:2, Leviticus 23:32, Mark 1:32 and Exodus 20:8–11 as the basis for its belief.
The SDA leadership said it is engaging government authorities in a spirit of mutual respect to find a solution that accommodates both the national objective of environmental cleanliness and the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
Among the proposals presented is allowing Seventh-day Adventists to participate in the national cleaning exercise on Fridays or Sundays instead of Saturdays.
“Church leadership is actively engaging the government in a spirit of mutual respect to seek an amicable solution that upholds both the national objective and our constitutional freedom of worship,” Pr. Kajoba wrote.
As the discussions continue, the Church appealed to members not to be anxious or engage in speculation.
Pr. Kajoba encouraged believers to remain united, continue praying and trust that the engagements will lead to a peaceful resolution.
“I kindly appeal to every member to remain calm, prayerful, and steadfast in faith,” he said.
The Church also reminded members to remain respectful towards those in authority while remaining faithful to their religious convictions.
The Government recently introduced National Cleaning Days as part of broader efforts to improve sanitation, environmental conservation and public health. The programme encourages nationwide participation in community cleaning exercises and complements ongoing campaigns against poor sanitation and disease outbreaks.
The initiative has, however, raised concerns among some religious groups, particularly the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose members observe Saturday as a sacred day of worship and rest.
Unlike many Christian denominations that worship on Sunday, Seventh-day Adventists believe the biblical Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—Saturday—and therefore refrain from secular work during that period.
The Church noted that Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship, a provision it believes should be taken into account when implementing national programmes that may affect faith communities.
SDA leaders stressed that the Church is not opposed to the Government’s cleanliness campaign but is seeking reasonable accommodation that would enable its members to contribute to national sanitation efforts without compromising their religious beliefs.
The pastoral letter concludes with confidence that the ongoing engagements will result in a solution that respects both public policy objectives and constitutional freedoms.
“We are confident that the Lord, who has always preserved His church, will grant wisdom and lead us to a peaceful and God-honouring resolution,” Pr. Kajoba wrote.
