religion 24 July 2026 Nile Post
SDA Church Seeks Dialogue with Govt Over National Cleaning Days and Sabbath Observance
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda is engaging the government to find a solution regarding National Cleaning Days that conflict with its Sabbath observance. The church supports the initiative but seeks accommodations for its members. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358931/sda-church-seeks-dialogue-with-govt-over-national-cleaning-days-and-sabbath-observance
The Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is actively communicating with the government to address potential conflicts between mandatory National Cleaning Days and the observance of the Sabbath. In a pastoral letter issued on July 24, 2026, President Pr. Kajoba Samuel urged church members to remain calm and prayerful as discussions progress.
The SDA Church fully supports the government’s goals of improving environmental cleanliness and public health through the National Cleaning Days initiative. However, the directive’s scheduling, which includes Saturdays, poses a challenge for adherents who observe the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset as a day of worship and rest.
“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,” stated the letter, citing biblical passages for their Sabbath observance practices.
Church leadership is in dialogue with government authorities, aiming for a resolution that respects both national objectives and the constitutional right to freedom of worship. One proposed accommodation is allowing SDA members to participate in cleaning activities on Fridays or Sundays instead of Saturdays.
Pr. Kajoba encouraged members to trust in the ongoing engagements and to remain united and respectful towards authorities while staying true to their faith. The church is confident that a peaceful and God-honoring resolution will be found, balancing public policy with religious freedom.