By Jumah Kakomo
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has called on Ugandans to maintain peace, calm, and mutual respect as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections and enters a new year.
The appeal was made on Tuesday by Pastor Samuel Kajoba, President of the Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, during an end-of-year press briefing held at the church’s headquarters in Kampala.
Pastor Kajoba emphasized that political differences should not lead to violence, intimidation, hate speech, or the spread of misinformation. He specifically urged young people to resist manipulation by self-interested individuals and instead choose peaceful engagement and dialogue.
He also called on political leaders, government officials, security agencies, and electoral bodies to act impartially and uphold the rule of law above personal or political interests. According to Kajoba, fairness and respect for democratic processes are essential to national stability.
In his address, Kajoba encouraged Ugandans to renew their commitment to faithfulness to God in all aspects of life, stressing the importance of promoting peace, justice, and mutual respect. He noted that peace is vital for both national development and spiritual growth, and that maintaining it is a shared responsibility.
“As we enter 2026, I call upon all Ugandans to keep faith and hope, knowing that we are not alone,” Kajoba said, citing John 14:1. “We trust that, in His time, our present struggles will give way to restoration and peace.”
Kajoba noted that the coming year will mark another national election cycle, which he described as a defining moment in Uganda’s national journey. He said elections should be viewed not only as political events but also as a test of the country’s values, unity, and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“It has been my appeal, and it remains my appeal, that all Ugandans approach this period with calmness, restraint, and mutual respect,” he added. “Our diversity of opinion should strengthen democracy, not divide our communities.”
