Pakistani Community in Lira City Hosts Belated Eid Celebrations
By Odongo Moris Michael
The Pakistani community in the Lango sub-region hosted a belated Eid Milan celebration in Lira City to mark the end of Ramadan.
The event, held on Sunday at Lira Hotel, brought together Muslim faithful, government officials, and members of the Indian community. Local leaders praised the group for its economic and social contributions to the region.
The Supreme Khadi of the Greater Lango Muslim District, Sheikh Yusuf Balinda, emphasized the spiritual significance of Eid al-Fitr, describing Ramadan as a “training school” for self-improvement.
“Once divorced from alcohol and sin, you should stay like that,” he noted, cautioning against celebrating the holy day through sinful acts.
He also reminded them of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, urging them to remember the poor.
“Gratitude and worship bring family and community together. Eid means giving without expecting returns, but respecting the reward from Allah,” he said, while praising the community for its charitable efforts.
Speaking at the celebration, the President of the Pakistani Association in Lango, Muhammad Ateeq Nawaz, announced that elections would be held in June to resolve ongoing leadership disputes.
He assured members of a fair process while affirming the group’s independence.
“During elections, there is always fear, but members have grown stronger. Confusion about leadership shall be resolved—that is why we are calling for elections,” Nawaz stated.
He emphasized that the association was built through struggle and should remain free from outside influence.
“Lira is independent, and we do not want interference from Kampala. The world is democratic; we shall change leadership through elections,” he added, urging security agencies to reject any faction attempting to assume leadership without a vote.
On Saturday, a faction led by the association’s Vice President, Muhammad Islam Nashir Khan, held a separate Eid Milan celebration at the same venue.
Khan emphasized the importance of unity among different nationalities, noting that the association brings together Pakistani, Indian, and Egyptian communities living in the Lango sub-region.
“We are working to restore order within the group to ensure smooth business operations,” he said.
Emmanuel Ebong Opeto, Mayor-Elect for Lira City West Division, presided over the celebration.
“As leaders of Lango, we are ready to offer protection,” he said. “They have done a tremendous job by opening factories and other business ventures that provide jobs to our people.”
Joan Apio, Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City West Division, reassured the community of their safety.
“Uganda has strong security to protect both the Indian and Pakistani communities,” she said.
The Deputy RCC for Lira City East Division, Odongo Steven, commended the community for aligning with the government’s vision of socio-economic transformation.
Patrick Okino, representing the media fraternity, affirmed that relations between the media and the Pakistani community remain strong, pledging continued collaboration.
Frank Oyugi of QFM challenged Christian communities to emulate Muslim unity by organizing interfaith gatherings, while Haish Bint Abdu, a representative for persons with disabilities, praised the community for its inclusivity.
