Uganda Government Approves Sunday Cleaning Day for Seventh-day Adventists

The Ugandan government has granted members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church an alternative day to participate in the country’s monthly National Cleaning Day exercise, following concerns over the programme’s conflict with the church’s Sabbath observance.

Under the new arrangement, Seventh-day Adventists will participate in the national sanitation exercise on the last Sunday of every month, instead of Saturday.

The decision followed discussions between Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including Uganda Union Mission President Pastor Samuel Kajoba. 

The government had earlier designated the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, with citizens expected to participate in a three-hour nationwide sanitation exercise from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The first exercise took place on July 25, 2026.

However, the schedule posed a challenge for Seventh-day Adventists, who observe Saturday as the Sabbath—a period dedicated to worship and religious observance from Friday sunset until Saturday sunset. 

Following consultations, the government agreed that SDA members could carry out their cleaning activities on Sunday while the broader national exercise continues on Saturday.

Prime Minister Nabbanja said the arrangement was reached to accommodate the church’s religious convictions while ensuring that the government’s sanitation campaign remains effective.

She also expressed appreciation to the church leadership for accepting the proposal and said the government would continue consultations on the broader issue.

The SDA leadership welcomed the engagement, maintaining that the church supports national development initiatives but cannot compromise its observance of the Sabbath.

The Sunday arrangement therefore provides a temporary solution to the conflict between Uganda’s national sanitation programme and the religious practices of Seventh-day Adventists, with further discussions expected between government and church leaders.