Lira, Uganda | Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz has been re-elected president of the Lira Pakistan Association for another three-year term after defeating Shan Nazir in elections held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Lira Hotel. Nawaz secured 47 votes against Nazir’s nine.
A total of 57 members voted out of the association’s 76 registered voters, with one ballot declared invalid. In the race for general secretary, Ashiq Ali emerged victorious with 43 votes against Zeshan Naeem’s 13 votes. Okello Hamza, Principal Private Secretary of Won-Nyaci me Lango Cultural Institution and presiding officer, declared Nawaz and Ali duly elected.
In his acceptance speech, Nawaz pledged to promote unity, transparency, accountability, and peaceful cooperation within the association. He thanked members for participating in what he described as a free, fair, and democratic election and promised to serve both those who supported him and those who backed his opponent.
Nawaz said his administration would work closely with Lira City authorities and the wider community while ensuring that every eligible member has equal rights to vote and contest for leadership positions. He also pledged to involve his former opponent in the leadership of the association and called for members to work together for the common welfare of the Pakistani and Lango communities.
Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, Regional Director and chairman of the Lango Sub-region Chamber of Commerce, urged the Pakistani business community in Lango and its members to promote peace, unity and cooperation. He commended them for resolving their leadership differences peacefully and called on the new leadership to work with all contestants to strengthen the association.
Ongom praised foreign investors for creating jobs and contributing to Lango’s economic growth, urging them to partner with the Chamber of Commerce in promoting investment, value addition and industrial development beyond Lira City, to other districts in the sub-region like Amolatar, Oyam, among others. He also highlighted plans for an industrial park, international airport, and six-storey business centre in Lira, pledging support to investors in accessing land and infrastructure.
Counsel Patrick Okwir, Lira City Council Speaker and spokesperson for Won-Nyaci me Lango Cultural Institution, commended the association for holding a peaceful and democratic election and praised its community initiatives, including medical camps. He urged the association to consider renaming itself the Lango Pakistan Association to reflect its wider regional contribution while calling on members who had broken away to return and unite with the main association.