“Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled”: Pr. Kajoba Calls Nation to Hope and Prayer

Kampala — The President of the Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pr. Samuel Kajoba, has called on Ugandans to embrace faith, peace, and national unity as the country concludes 2025 and prepares for a critical new year marked by national elections.

In his end-of-year message addressed to Ugandans at home and in the diaspora, Pr. Kajoba expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the nation through economic, social, and moral challenges, noting that despite difficulties, Uganda has reached the end of the year by divine grace.

“This past year has tested our nation in many ways, yet we remain deeply grateful to the Almighty God who has sustained us and brought us safely to the close of 2025,” he said.

Church Growth and Contribution to National Development

Pr. Kajoba highlighted significant growth within the Seventh-day Adventist Church during 2025, reporting an increase of 35,310 new members across the Church’s 12 entities nationwide. He attributed the progress to God’s guidance and faithful stewardship.

The Church currently operates one hospital and 22 health facilities, including Health Centre IIs and IIIs, alongside a dispensary, contributing to improved healthcare delivery. In education, the Church runs 620 educational institutions, including the chartered Bugema University, collectively serving 81,337 learners.

Beyond spiritual ministry, Pr. Kajoba noted that Adventist institutions continue to play a vital role in wealth creation, poverty alleviation, and national development, supporting families and communities across the country.

Acknowledging National Challenges

Despite these achievements, the Church leader acknowledged that Adventist families, like many Ugandans, have faced rising living costs, youth unemployment, and uncertainty about the future. He praised Ugandans for demonstrating resilience, hard work, and a strong spirit of faith and community in the face of adversity.

“As we enter 2026, we do so with hope, knowing that God remains with us,” he said, quoting John 14:1 to encourage citizens not to lose heart.

Appeal for Peace Ahead of Elections

With Uganda heading into another national election cycle in 2026, Pr. Kajoba emphasized that elections should be viewed as a test of national values, unity, and commitment to peaceful coexistence, rather than a source of division.

He appealed to all Ugandans to approach the electoral period with calmness, restraint, and mutual respect, warning against violence, hate speech, intimidation, and misinformation.

“Political differences must never divide our communities,” he stressed. “Our diversity of opinion should strengthen democracy, not destroy it.”

The Church leader issued a special message to the youth, urging them to reject manipulation and violence and instead embrace peaceful engagement and responsible participation. He also called upon leaders, electoral bodies, security agencies, and public servants to uphold integrity, fairness, and service to the common good.

Seventh-day Adventist Church Commitments for 2026

Pr. Kajoba outlined the Church’s key priorities for 2026, reaffirming its role as a moral and spiritual partner in national development. These include:

Evangelism and Stewardship: Strengthening Bible-based teaching and promoting responsible management of God-given resources for holistic development.

Peace and National Unity: Promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and tolerance across communities.

Prayer for the Nation: Mobilizing members to pray for Uganda, its leaders, and national institutions, including electoral bodies.

Civic Responsibility: Encouraging honest, law-abiding citizenship while remaining non-partisan.

Youth Engagement: Expanding mentorship and leadership programs to equip young people with ethical values and life skills.

Family, Health, and Community Well-Being: Strengthening families, promoting healthy lifestyles, and serving vulnerable populations.

Truth, Hope, and Compassion: Standing as a voice of hope and moral clarity during uncertain times, including the election period.

A Call to Hope and Unity

As Ugandans transition into the new year, Pr. Kajoba urged citizens to renew their commitment to faithfulness to God, peace, justice, and mutual respect, reminding them that the country’s future depends on the choices made today.

“Uganda belongs to all of us, and its future is shaped by the values we uphold,” he said. On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pr. Kajoba wished all Ugandans a peaceful end to 2025 and a new year guided by the Holy Spirit, unity, and the fear of God.

He concluded with the message: “For God and My Country.”