Tragic Loss of Abubakar Lawal
The atmosphere at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, has been sombre following the sudden death of forward Abubakar Lawal. The Nigerian striker, a key figure in Vipers SC’s 2022-2023 double-winning campaign, tragically passed away on 24 February 2025 after reportedly falling from the third floor of the Voice Mall Hotel in Bwebajja.
Reports indicate that Lawal had visited a Tanzanian woman at the hotel when a male visitor arrived to check on her. Lawal was persuaded to leave the room, and it is alleged that he jumped, leading to fatal injuries.
A post-mortem examination conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital confirmed that Abubakar Lawal succumbed to blunt force trauma, sustaining severe injuries from a forceful impact with a hard surface.
Lawal’s football journey
Lawal’s career began in Nigeria, where he played for clubs such as Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, and Nasarawa United, earning a reputation as a reliable striker. His move to Rwanda saw him join AS Kigali, where he spent two years before transferring to Vipers SC in July 2022.
Upon signing a two-year contract with the Ugandan club, he quickly became a pivotal player. During his debut season (2022-2023), Lawal played a crucial role in Vipers SC’s success, helping them secure the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup titles. That same season, he made history by scoring Vipers’ first-ever goal in the CAF Champions’ League group stage, cementing his legacy at the club.
Honouring Lawal’s legacy
Vipers SC president, Lawrence Mulindwa, pledged to support Abubakar Lawal’s family following his untimely passing. He committed to paying Lawal’s salary for six months and covering the costs of transporting his body to Sokoto, Nigeria, for burial. This gesture reflects the club’s deep appreciation for Lawal’s contributions to their historic 2022-2023 campaign.
Vipers SC’s struggle after Lawal’s passing
The news of Abubakar Lawal’s death struck Vipers SC at a critical moment, just as they had solidified their lead in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. Fresh from a commanding 2-0 victory over rivals KCCA at MTN Philip Omondi Stadium and another win against URA FC, the team’s morale was at an all-time high.
Since Lawal’s passing, Vipers SC have managed to maintain their momentum, securing three victories in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and a win in the Uganda Cup, keeping them at the top of the table with 49 points as of 20 March. Despite the emotional toll, the team continues to push forward, with players like Allan Okello, Yunus Junior Sentamu, and Kenneth Kimera stepping up to lead the squad.
The challenge of balancing the pressure to stay at the top of the league while mourning a former teammate has made this one of Vipers SC’s toughest periods. Lawal’s mysterious death, with unanswered questions surrounding his fatal head injuries, only adds to the emotional weight on the team.
Nonetheless, their performances, such as the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbarara City, demonstrate their determination.
