Abubakar Lawal, a 29-year-old Nigerian footballer with Uganda’s Vipers Sports Club, tragically passed away after falling from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala.
The incident occurred early on Monday while Lawal was visiting a Tanzanian friend who lived in one of the mall’s residential apartments.
Ugandan police confirmed they are investigating the incident, with spokesperson Lukowoyesigyire stating, “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.”
The friend who had hosted Lawal told police she had left him alone shortly before the fall. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The Vipers Sports Club mourned the loss of their striker, saying in a statement, “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.” Lawal had joined Vipers in July 2022 after a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda.
