Lira, Uganda | The Pakistan Association Lira City has celebrated Eid al-Fitr with messages emphasizing faith, discipline, unity, and community cohesion during a ceremony held at St. Lira Hotel on Sunday. The event drew religious leaders, government officials, cultural representatives, and members of both the Pakistani and local communities.
Sheikh Yusuf Balinda, Supreme Khadi of the Greater Lango Muslim District, highlighted the spiritual importance of both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, noting that the festivals are central pillars of Islamic worship and reflection. He explained that Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and symbolizes gratitude to Allah, personal growth, and triumph over individual weaknesses.
Balinda described Ramadan as a period that nurtures discipline and moral conduct, urging Muslims to sustain the values learned during fasting. He cautioned against indulgence in sinful acts, including alcohol consumption, emphasizing that Eid should be rooted in righteousness and continued devotion to God.
On the significance of Eid al-Adha, Balinda said it commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and called on the faithful to extend generosity to the less privileged, including through acts such as animal sacrifice and sharing with the needy. He observed that true giving seeks no reward from people, but only from Allah, and commended the Muslim community for its ongoing charitable efforts.
Benson Taiwoo, representing Lango Cultural Institution, encouraged unity and peaceful coexistence among communities, describing the celebrations as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and gratitude to God. He commended the Pakistani community for its hospitality and inclusiveness and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring all communities feel recognized and at home.
Ateeq Nawaz Muhammad, President of the Pakistan Association Lira, acknowledged that the association had faced internal challenges, particularly in coordination and leadership structures. However, he noted that unity and stability had improved over the past five to six years. Nawaz announced that elections would be held in June to address lingering leadership concerns, assuring members of a transparent and fair process. He emphasized that leadership should be determined democratically and urged security agencies to prevent any attempts to assume leadership outside the electoral process.
Lira City West Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RcC) Joan Apio said Uganda has a strong security system capable of safeguarding all communities, including foreign nationals. Odongo Steven, Deputy RCC for Lira City East Division, commended the Pakistani community for supporting the government’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
Other speakers Patrick Okino of the Vision Group pledged continued cooperation between the media and the Pakistani community, while Frank Oyugi of QFM encouraged Christian communities to emulate the unity exhibited by Muslims through interfaith engagement. Aisha Bint Abdu praised the association for promoting inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities.