Seventh-day Adventist church in Uganda celebrates new president

6 July 2025, 2:53 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the election of the new president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda has today joined the global community in congratulating the Church on appointing its new leader. The announcement was made on 4 July 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America, according to the Director of Communications, Pastor Kaggwa Rogers.

“Pastor Erton Kohler steps into this role as the spiritual and administrative leader of a worldwide movement spanning over 200 countries with more than 23 million members. Born in Southern Brazil into a pastoral family with three generations of pastors, Kohler earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Adventist Theological Institute in 1989 and later obtained a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the same institution in 2008. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Andrews University. From 1990 to 1994, Kohler served as a local church pastor in São Paulo, before being elected to lead youth ministries in the Rio Grande do Sul Conference in 1995. In 1998, he became the youth ministries director of the Northeast Brazil Union,” Pastor Kaggwa explained.

According to Kaggwa, the newly elected leader will continue to spearhead the spread of the gospel and focus on guiding young people towards Christ. He noted that Kohler’s extensive service in various church roles is likely a key reason for his selection. “In April 2021, Kohler was elected as General Conference Executive Secretary, one of the three top leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a position he held until 4 July 2025 when he became president. He is passionate about church outreach to those who do not yet know Christ and is a devoted advocate for youth and communications for mission,” he added.

Upon his election, Pastor Erton Kohler stated that the Church will continue to trust in God. “We are moving forward, trusting in the Owner of this Church,” he said, citing Isaiah 41:10: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’”

Kohler is married to Adriene Marques, and they have two children: Marianna, a psychology student, and Masteos, who is also a pastor. Uganda was represented at the election by the President of the Uganda Union, Pastor Makka, alongside two others. Kohler’s tenure is for five years.

Regarding the ongoing wars in various parts of the world, Pastor Kaggwa said that as a Church, they are committed to preaching the gospel to inspire change, emphasising that only God can end conflicts.