Pakistan Association in Lira Dismisses Rival Leadership Claims
The Pakistan Association in Lira has dismissed claims of a leadership takeover by a rival faction, maintaining that its current executive remains in office until elections are held in June.
Speaking during a press briefing today at GB Restaurant near YY Terminal, Ateeq Muhammad Nawaz described the alleged leadership changes as false and misleading, insisting that any transition must follow a transparent and democratic process.
He said the association has scheduled elections for June 2026 to allow members currently abroad to return and participate in the exercise, adding that the process will be publicly announced to the media and city authorities, including the offices of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) and Regional Police Commander (RPC).
Nawaz further alleged that the rival group, largely composed of family members and staff, has refused to formally subscribe to the association despite its established structure and operations.
He noted that members contribute UGX 50,000 monthly to support charitable work for vulnerable communities, and questioned why the group criticizes the association’s annual support to Ngetta Babies Home, emphasizing that charity is central to its mission.
The leadership dispute comes amid parallel charitable activities by both groups. Last week, the association distributed 200 food relief packages to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) at Lango Cultural Centre. Each package contained rice, beans, sugar, posho, salt, and cooking oil.
He said the initiative is part of the association’s broader community support efforts, including the construction of a mosque in Abongomola, Kwania District, which serves over 200 worshippers, as well as annual support to children at Ngetta Babies Home.
Nawaz, however, cautioned against attempts by rival groups to use humanitarian activities to assert authority or mislead the public.
The rival faction had earlier distributed food packages during Eid al-Fitr on March 15, 2026, saying the initiative was aimed at promoting inclusion and goodwill.
He maintained that the association is non-political and remains focused on supporting its members and the wider community, including providing assistance during illness, bereavement, and emergencies.
The association, which has operated for eight years with 69 active members, is expected to use the June elections to resolve the leadership dispute.
Nawaz assured members and beneficiaries that services will continue uninterrupted under the current leadership pending the outcome of the electoral process.
