Kajjansi Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian footballer with Uganda Premier League giants Vipers, who fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja on the morning of February 24.
A police report has confirmed that Lawal’s death was a result of a fall from Room 416, contrary to earlier reports suggesting he was involved in a motorcycle accident.
“Kajjansi Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson.
Owoyesigyire explained that preliminary reports indicate Lawal arrived at the mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February last year.
According to Naima, she left Lawal in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game centre in the mall. Shortly thereafter, at around 8am, Lawal allegedly fell from the balcony.
The police report clarified that Lawal’s tragic fall occurred as described, dispelling earlier misunderstandings about the incident.
Lawal was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police later recovered his personal belongings, including two smartphones, open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, from his black backpack.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Vipers confirmed Lawal’s passing in a statement, expressing their grief over the loss.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning,” the club said.
The club, who are top of the premier league table, added that Lawal’s body had been transferred to a medical facility for a postmortem examination and that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Moses Magogo, president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), also paid tribute to Lawal.
“Lawal’s immense contribution to Ugandan football will never be forgotten, particularly his pivotal role in Vipers SC's historic league and Uganda Cup domestic double triumph in the 2022/23 season,” Magogo said.
Abubakar Lawal, who joined Vipers SC in 2022, was warmly embraced by the Vipers community, including at SMASK, and quickly became a beloved figure at the club.
He made history by scoring Vipers’ first-ever group stage goal in the CAF Champions League in a 1-1 draw against Raja Casablanca.
Lawal’s positive personality earned him admiration not only among fans but also from the top ranks of the club hierarchy.