Jubilation as Ateeq Nawaz re-elected Lira Pakistan Association President with over 80%.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA CITY, UGANDA: There was jubilation, excitement and celebration among the Pakistan community in Lira City and beyond on Sunday 9th, August 2026 after Sardar Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz was re-elected President of the Lira Pakistan Association for another three-year term with a landslide victory.
Nawaz polled 47 votes to defeat challenger Shan Nazir who got 9 votes, representing over 80% of the valid votes cast.
A total of 57 members out of 76 registered voters turned up for the elections held at St. Lira Hotel Grounds. However one ballot was declared invalid by the Returning officer Hamza Okello.
Whereas for Pakistan Association General Lira , Secretary, Mr. Ashiq Ali won with 43 votes against Zeshan Naeem’s 13 votes.
The election was presided over by Okello Hamza, Principal Private Secretary of the His Highness Won Nyaci me Lango Cultural Institution, who immediately declared Nawaz and Ali duly elected.
“Unity and service”
Ateeq Nawaz pledged to promote unity, transparency, accountability, and peaceful cooperation within the association.
He commended members for participating actively in what he described as a “free, fair, and democratic election” and promised to serve both his supporters and those who voted for his opponent.
“I will work closely with Lira City authorities and the wider community. Every eligible member will have equal rights to vote and contest,” Nawaz said.
He also pledged to involve his former opponent in the association’s leadership and called for joint efforts to promote the welfare of both the Pakistani and Lango communities.
Leaders praise peaceful poll:
Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, Regional Director and Chairman of the Lango Sub-region Chamber of Commerce, commended the Pakistani business community for resolving their leadership differences peacefully.
He urged the new executive to work with all contestants to strengthen the association and called on foreign investors to partner with the Chamber in promoting investment, value addition, and industrial development across Lango.
Lawyer Patrick Okwir, who doubles as Lira City Council Speaker and spokesperson for HH Lango Paramoubt chied Dr.Eng Moses Odongi Okune, praised the Pakistan Association Lira for holding a peaceful poll and for its community initiatives such as medical camps.Counsel Hon Okwir urged the association to consider renaming itself the Lango Pakistan Association to reflect its wider regional contribution, and called on members who had broken away to return and unite.
Meanwhile, the Lira Pakistan Association brings together Pakistani nationals and business people in Lango Sub-region to promote trade, culture, and social welfare.
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