The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda has formally expressed concern over the government’s decision to hold mandatory National Cleaning Days on the last Saturday of every month, saying the schedule clashes with one of the most sacred observances in the Adventist faith. Church leaders argue that while they fully support efforts to improve sanitation and public health, they cannot compromise on the biblical significance of the Sabbath.
In a message addressed to Adventist believers across the country, Uganda Union Mission President Pastor Kajoba Samuel reaffirmed the church’s commitment to environmental conservation and community wellbeing. However, he stressed that Saturday is reserved exclusively for worship and spiritual activities, making participation in organised cleaning exercises during those hours inconsistent with Adventist teachings.Pastor Kajoba explained that, according to the Bible, the Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
During this period, members are expected to set aside ordinary work and devote themselves to prayer, worship, fellowship and acts of compassion. He said the church considers this observance a divine command that cannot simply be adjusted to fit government programmes.The National Cleaning Days initiative was recently introduced as part of a nationwide campaign to improve hygiene, waste management and environmental cleanliness. Under the arrangement, citizens are expected to take part in community cleaning activities every last Saturday of the month between 8:00am and 11:00am, with local leaders coordinating participation across the country.
Church leaders say the chosen timeframe places Adventist believers in a difficult position by forcing them to choose between complying with a national directive and remaining faithful to their religious convictions. They believe both civic responsibility and freedom of worship should be respected without placing one above the other.To resolve the matter, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has opened discussions with government officials and proposed alternative arrangements. Among the options being considered is allowing Adventist members to participate in the cleaning exercise on either Friday or Sunday, enabling them to contribute to the national campaign without violating their Sabbath observance.Pastor Kajoba has encouraged church members to remain peaceful, prayerful and patient as dialogue with the authorities continues.
He expressed optimism that a solution can be reached through mutual understanding and respect for Uganda’s constitutional protection of religious freedom.The issue has sparked wider public debate, with many Ugandans praising the government’s drive to promote cleaner communities while others have questioned whether nationwide programmes should provide reasonable accommodation for different religious practices. As consultations continue, attention is now focused on whether the government will adjust the implementation of the monthly cleaning exercise to address the concerns raised by the Adventist community.(For adverts, inquiries news, send us a message on +211929244599)
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