By Walter Okello
Lira, Uganda | The Pakistan community in Lira, Uganda, through the Pakistan Association Lira, has once again demonstrated community spirit by extending charitable support to vulnerable groups ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
In a event that took place on Sunday, the association donated essential food items including sugar, salt, rice, cooking oil, and other assorted goods to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Lira city, ensuring they can celebrate the festival with dignity and inclusion.
The gesture aligns with the group’s longstanding tradition of giving back during Ramadan and Eid.
Vice President Islam Khan emphasized that the association strives to celebrate Eid alongside those in need, fostering a sense of belonging and shared joy. “We always want to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with needy people to show our love for them and ensure they are not left out,” Khan said.
He highlighted that donating is deeply rooted in their culture and a regular practice. “It is not our first time giving this kind of assorted items to our people. Even last month, we provided similar support to all Muslim mosques in Lira city, as an association and as individuals.”
Khan reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ongoing support, noting their gratitude toward the local community. “As we continue doing business in Lira city and Uganda, we will keep supporting local people by giving back. We are here because they support us, and without them, we would not exist.”
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul praised the initiative, describing it as a heartfelt act of generosity. “The art of giving comes from the heart. We have to appreciate even the little that is given. If they were mean, they couldn’t mobilize their resources to give out, and this is the heart we need to follow to help one another.”
He urged locals to emulate the Pakistan community’s example for greater harmony. “The Pakistan Association Lira is doing their best to help the people of Lira. I implore our sons and daughters of the soil to portray what the Pakistan community is doing so that we live in community harmony.”
Aisha Binabdu, representive of persons with disabilities in Northern Uganda, expressed deep appreciation for the long-term partnership. “The Pakistan community in Lira has, for a long period, been standing with people with disabilities by extending vital support, and this makes us proud as leaders.”
She also commended their contributions to the Islamic community in Lango, including free education on Islamic religion. “These actions have pleased us since knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. We urge you to continue supporting our community, your efforts are never unnoticed, and God will bless the work of your hands.”
This donation follows similar recent efforts by the association, including Ramadan relief to PWDs and support for local orphanages, underscoring their consistent role in uplifting vulnerable populations in Lango sub region
Amid the celebrations, there is an ongoing internal matter within the association regarding leadership. Islam Khan addressed reports of confusion, stating that the supreme supervisory body elected Mian Muhammad Nashir as president to replace Atiq Nawaz. However, Atiq Nawaz, who has served for over eight years, has reportedly not stepped down despite the transition deadline of December 5, 2026. “The supreme body that supervises the Lira Association has elected Mian Muhammad Nashir as their president replacing Atiq Nawaz, but to our surprise, he doesn’t want to leave office,” Khan explained.
An attempt to get a comment from Atiq Nawaz at the time of filing this story was futile.