Why Ateeq Nawaz secured landslide re-election as Lira Pakistan Association president

11 August 2026, 10:24 am

By Frank Oyugi

LIRA CITY — Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz was overwhelmingly re-elected as President of the Lira Pakistan Association on Sunday, securing 47 votes against his challenger, Shah Nazir, who received nine votes.

The landslide victory at St Lira Hotel reflects strong confidence among members in Nawaz’s leadership, inclusive governance and socio-economic contributions to the Lango Sub-region. His victory speech and endorsements from key stakeholders highlighted some of the factors behind his re-election.

A central pillar of Nawaz’s appeal is his commitment to constitutional equality and non-discrimination. In his acceptance speech, he emphasised a governance model based on democratic equality, noting that the association operates without class or economic discrimination.

He highlighted that, under the association’s constitution, every Pakistani by birth has the right to contest and vote regardless of their wealth, creating a level playing field and strengthening grassroots confidence among members.

His pledge of inclusive governance and post-election reconciliation also resonated strongly with voters. Rather than treating the election as a divisive contest, Nawaz immediately extended an olive branch to his opponents, positioning himself as a unifying figure.

He declared the election period over and committed himself to serving the entire association, including those who voted against him. He promised an open administration where members could resolve issues peacefully and work towards their common welfare.

Beyond internal politics, Nawaz’s victory was also reinforced by his record of active corporate social responsibility (CSR). According to Dr Morris Chris Ongom, Director of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) Lira branch, the association under Nawaz’s leadership has provided vital humanitarian support to local communities.

These efforts include constructing boreholes to improve access to clean water and donating essential supplies to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Nawaz’s leadership has also aligned the Pakistani community with the region’s broader economic growth. Dr Ongom noted that Pakistani entrepreneurs have become key players in oilseed production and agro-processing. Through their processing factories, they have strengthened agricultural value chains while providing crucial employment opportunities for young people across the Lango Sub-region.

Furthermore, Nawaz has built strong relationships with local authorities and traditional leaders. The election was overseen by Hamza Okello, Principal Private Secretary to the Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Institution, His Highness Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, who affirmed that the cultural institution enjoys strong bilateral cooperation with the business community.

Patrick Okwir, Speaker of Lira City Council, also commended the association’s regional reach and suggested expanding its name to the “Lango Pakistan Association” to reflect its impact beyond Lira City.

With victory certificates officially issued, Nawaz and his newly elected General Secretary, Ashiq Ali, who secured 43 votes, begin a three-year mandate focused on transparency, economic collaboration and community integration.

Strengthening Pakistan–Uganda economic ties

Pakistan, a South Asian country of more than 240 million people, has a major industrial base spanning textiles, agriculture and manufacturing. It has also strengthened economic ties across East Africa through its “Engage Africa” trade initiative.

In Uganda, Pakistani nationals and business owners have established a significant diaspora presence, contributing to key sectors including vehicle importation, agro-processing, manufacturing and healthcare.

The Lira Pakistan Association serves as an umbrella body for Pakistani nationals and investors in northern Uganda, helping to strengthen bilateral cultural relations while promoting local economic growth across the Lango Sub-region.