Why Ateeq Nawaz cecured a 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’s nine. The landslide victory at St. Lira Hotel underscores strong confidence within the community regarding his leadership style, inclusive governance, and socio-economic contributions to the Lango sub-region. A closer look at his victory speech and key stakeholder endorsements reveals the core reasons 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 emphasized a governance model rooted in strict democratic equity, noting that the association operates without class or economic segregation. He highlighted that under the association’s constitution, any Pakistani by birth has the right to contest and vote regardless of wealth, establishing a level playing field that maintained strong grassroots trust across the general membership.

​His pledge to inclusive governance and post-election reconciliation also resonated strongly with voters. Rather than treating the polls 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 to serving as a leader for the entire association—including those who voted against him—promising an open administration where members can peacefully resolve issues and work for their common welfare.

​Beyond internal politics, Nawaz’s victory was 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 extended vital humanitarian support directly to local communities. These efforts include constructing boreholes to improve clean water access 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 oil seed 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 successfully built strong diplomatic ties with both local authorities and traditional leaders. The election was superintended by Hamza Okello, Principal Private Secretary to the Paramount Chief of 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. Additionally, Patrick Okwir, Speaker of Lira City Council, commended the association’s regional reach and suggested expanding its name to the “Lango Pakistan Association” to reflect its impact beyond city borders.

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

​ Strengthening Pakistan–Uganda Economic Ties

Pakistan, a South Asian nation of over 240 million people with a major industrial base in textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing, has actively built economic ties across East Africa through its “Engage Africa” trade initiative. In Uganda, thousands of Pakistani nationals and business owners have established an active diaspora presence, contributing significantly to key sectors such as vehicle importation, agro-processing, manufacturing, and healthcare. The Lira Pakistan Association serves as the main umbrella body for Pakistani nationals and investors in northern Uganda, bridging bilateral cultural relations while fostering localized economic growth across the Lango sub-region.