Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Premier League (UPL) will honor the late Abubakar Lawal, a striker for Vipers SC, with a moment of silence before all Match Day 18 fixtures following his tragic passing on Monday, February 24, 2025. The football fraternity is in shock, as conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances of his death have raised serious questions.
Initial reports suggested that Lawal was involved in a motorcycle accident along Entebbe Road, but police investigations later revealed that he fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja. According to witnesses, he was visiting Omary Naima, a Tanzanian acquaintance, who claims to have left him preparing tea, only to later find out he had allegedly fallen from the balcony. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and authorities are interrogating witnesses to determine if foul play was involved.
To give Lawal a dignified farewell, Vipers SC has organized Sualatul Janaza (Islamic funeral prayers) at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Thursday, February 27, at 4 PM, after which his body will be repatriated to Lagos, Nigeria, for burial. The club’s patron, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, has pledged to cover all funeral costs, while the Uganda Police works with Lawal’s family and the Nigerian Embassy to facilitate the process.
In tribute to Lawal, a moment of silence will be observed across Match Day 18 fixtures, including key games such as Vipers SC vs Mbarara City FC (March 2, Kitende, 7:00 PM), Maroons FC vs KCCA FC (March 2, Luzira, 3:00 PM), and Express FC vs Wakiso Giants FC (March 3, Nakivubo, 7:00 PM). The Vipers SC match is expected to be particularly emotional as the team plays for the first time without their fallen teammate.
Reacting to Lawal’s death, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has urged the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to demand a full investigation. He emphasized the need for justice and transparency, highlighting the contradictions in the reports surrounding the player’s death. The football world now awaits further updates on the ongoing investigations.
Since joining Vipers SC in July 2022, Lawal played a crucial role in the club’s league and Uganda Cup triumphs in the 2022/23 season and scored the club’s first-ever CAF Champions League group-stage goal. His passing is a significant loss to Ugandan football, and as investigations continue, the football community stands united in grief, remembering his talent, dedication, and contribution to the game.
