Lira Resident City Commissioner pledges stronger ties with Pakistani community

16 August 2026, 1:42 pm

By Baker Okello

The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City, Lawrence Emmy Egole, has pledged to strengthen relations between the city authorities and the Pakistani community while promoting closer bilateral ties between Uganda and Pakistan.

Egole made the commitment on Friday August 14, while serving as Chief Guest at the 79th Pakistan Independence Day celebration held at Shower Trade Lira Hotel.

The event was organized under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nashir, President of the Pakistan Association in Lira City.

Pakistan marks its independence on August 14, commemorating its establishment as a sovereign state in 1947 following the end of British colonial rule.

Egole commended the Pakistani community in the Lango Sub-region for its contribution to domestic trade, industrialization and youth employment.

He pledged continued government support to protect their businesses and encourage further socio-economic investment in the region.

The Mayor of Lira City Council, His Worship Sam Atul, called on the Pakistani community to strengthen its integration with local communities through corporate social responsibility, culturally inclusive business practices and partnerships with local suppliers.

Atul said stronger grassroots cooperation would help move relations beyond high-level diplomacy and create lasting economic and social connections between Ugandans and Pakistanis living and doing business in Lira.

Meanwhile, Pius Olam, Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League for Lira City, pledged support to the Pakistan Association in advancing industrialization, agricultural value addition and commercial expansion.

Olam commended the Pakistani business community for contributing to industrial growth, generating local tax revenue, creating employment opportunities for young people and supporting essential social services across the Lango Sub-region.

Ahad Raza, Vice President of the Pakistan Association Lira Uganda, said the association was established not only to bring Pakistani nationals together but also to give back to the communities where they live and do business.

He said the association has supported communities through social initiatives, including work in schools, prisons, provision of boreholes and other charitable activities

The General Secretary, Sardar Khurram Mehmood pledged to work towards uniting the rival factions within the association while expanding its grassroots engagement and support for communities across Lango and beyond.

The celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including SSP Hillary Mukiza, Regional Police Commander for the North Kyoga Police Region; Emmanuel Ecun, Deputy Regional Immigration Officer for the Lango Sub-region; Joan Apio, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Lira City West Division; Olipa Tonny, popularly known as “Lipton,” the NRM Chairperson for Lira City West Division; and SP Lillian Aceng, Regional Community Liaison Officer for the North Kyoga Police Region, among others.

The commitments made at the celebration are expected to strengthen cooperation between Lira City authorities and the Pakistani community, while promoting trade, investment, employment and stronger people-to-people relations between Uganda and Pakistan.