Adventist church reflects on 2025 and urges peaceful 2026 elections

30 December 2025, 1:56 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pastor Samuel Kajoba, has highlighted the church’s achievements in 2025 and outlined its focus as the country heads into 2026.

Delivering his end-of-year message at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Kampala Central in Kampala, Pastor Kajoba expressed gratitude to God for guiding the church throughout the year.

“I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As we conclude 2025, we are thankful to God for His guidance and leading. By His grace, the church has continued to grow, not only in membership but also in institutional capacity,” Kajoba said.

He revealed that in 2025 alone, the Adventist Church registered an increase of 35,310 new members across its 12 administrative entities in Uganda.

Pastor Kajoba further noted that the church currently operates one hospital and 22 health facilities, alongside 620 educational institutions across the country. Through these entities, he said, the church continues to contribute to national development through wealth creation and poverty alleviation initiatives.

However, he acknowledged that Adventist families, like many Ugandan households, have faced challenges, including the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and uncertainty about the future.

“Despite these challenges, Ugandans have shown resilience, hard work, and a strong spirit of community and faith,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Pastor Kajoba called on Ugandans to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith, quoting John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He said the church trusts that current struggles will give way to restoration and peace in God’s time.

He also addressed the upcoming national election cycle, describing it as a defining moment in Uganda’s journey.

“Elections are not merely political events; they are a test of our values as a country, our unity, and our commitment to peaceful coexistence,” he said, urging Ugandans to approach the period with calmness, restraint, and mutual respect. He warned against violence, intimidation, hate speech, and misinformation.

According to Pastor Kajoba, the Adventist Church reaffirms its commitment to contributing positively to the national agenda in 2026 through evangelism and stewardship, promotion of peace and national unity, prayer for the nation and its leadership, civic responsibility and moral leadership, youth engagement and mentorship, family and community well-being, and the promotion of truth, hope, and compassion.

He also called on the public to renew their commitment to faithfulness to God, peace, justice, and mutual respect.

“Uganda belongs to all of us, and its future is shaped by the choices we make today,” Kajoba said. “On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, I wish all Ugandans a peaceful conclusion to 2025 and a new year guided by the Holy Spirit, unity, and the fear of God.”