The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda has called on citizens to embrace peace, unity, and responsible civic engagement as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
The church also reported a significant growth in membership and social services during 2025.
In his end-of-year message, Uganda Union Mission President Pr. Samuel Kajoba praised Ugandans for their resilience amid economic hardship, rising living costs, and youth unemployment, noting that the nation had endured “economic, social, and moral challenges” throughout the year.
Pr. Kajoba revealed that Adventist Church membership increased by 35,310 people in 2025 across its 12 entities nationwide.
He said the Church continues to play a growing role in national development through health care, education, and community initiatives.
According to his statement, the Church currently operates one hospital and 22 health facilities, including health centres and a dispensary.
It also runs 620 educational institutions, among them Bugema University, serving more than 81,000 learners across the country.
Despite these gains, the Church acknowledged the pressures facing many Ugandan families.
The prelate who took over from Pr. Dr. Moses Maka Ndimukiika recently, said these challenges have tested households but also highlighted the “strong spirit of community and faith” demonstrated by citizens throughout the year.
Dr. Maka was officially elected as the Executive Secretary of the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Looking ahead to 2026, he emphasized that the upcoming election cycle would be a critical moment for the country, urging political actors and citizens alike to reject violence, hate speech, and misinformation.
“Political differences must never lead to intimidation or bloodshed,” he said, adding that diversity of opinion should strengthen democracy rather than divide communities.
He issued a special appeal to young people to avoid political manipulation and instead engage peacefully and responsibly, while calling on government officials, security agencies, and electoral bodies to act with integrity and fairness in the national interest.
The Church also outlined its priorities for the coming year, including evangelism, promotion of peace and national unity, prayer for the nation and its leaders, youth mentorship, family and community well-being, and the encouragement of moral and responsible citizenship while remaining non-partisan.
Pr. Kajoba called upon Ugandans to enter the new year with hope and faith, stressing that the country’s future depends on the choices its citizens make today.
On behalf of the SDA Church, he wished Ugandans a peaceful end to 2025 and a new year OF 2026 marked by unity, justice, and reverence for God.
