The Lira Pakistan Association (LPA) on August 30, 2026, celebrated the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan in a colourful ceremony held at St. Lira Hotel

Members of the Pakistan community, local leaders, and invited guests gathered to mark the day.

The independence celebration also featured the swearing-in of the newly elected leadership of the Lira Pakistan Association, with President-elect Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz, General Secretary Ashiq Ali, and other members of the executive committee taking their oath of office.

The leaders have begun executing their respective responsibilities as they seek to strengthen the association and deepen its contribution to the development of communities in Lira and the wider Lango sub-region.

Lira RCC Lawrence Egole called on members of the Pakistan community living in Lira to avoid divisions and instead work together as one community.

Egole urged the community to put aside differences and embrace unity, saying a united Pakistan community would be better positioned to contribute to the development of Lira City and the wider Lango sub-region.

He also commended Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz for his contribution to communities in Lango, urging residents of the region to work closely with him and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people.

“Let us fight division among ourselves and come together as one,” Egole urged, while appreciating Ateeq Nawaz for the work he has been doing in Lango.

Ateeq Nawaz was also praised for his community initiatives, particularly the blood donation drive recently organised by the association.

The blood donation campaign drew members of the community. It was described as a vital humanitarian initiative that could help save lives by increasing the availability of blood for patients in need.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, LPA president Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz pledged that his administration would focus on supporting vulnerable members of society and expanding the association’s humanitarian activities.

Ateeq said the association would begin supporting vulnerable children, while also working to provide clean and safe water to communities in Acholi.

He emphasised that the association’s activities would not be limited to the Lango Sub-region, saying the organisation intends to extend its humanitarian services to other parts of Uganda where there is need.

According to Ateeq, the association’s vision is to use its presence and resources to contribute positively to communities regardless of their geographical location.

The 79th Pakistan Independence Day celebration therefore combined national pride with a renewed commitment by the newly elected leadership to community service, humanitarian support and stronger relations between the Pakistan community and the people of Lango.

Pakistan gained independence from the United Kingdom and was declared a sovereign state following the termination of the British Raj at midnight on 14 August 1947.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah took the oath as the first Governor-General of the country on August 14.