Authorities in Uganda are looking into the death of a Nigerian professional footballer who reportedly fell from a shopping mall in Kampala.
Abubakar Lawal, aged 29, is said to have fallen from a third-floor balcony at the Voicemall Shopping Arcade while visiting a friend from Tanzania. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later declared dead, according to police reports.
According to the police, Lawal’s friend, identified as Omary Naima, had left him in her room—part of the mall complex—while she prepared tea prior to the incident.
Lawal was a striker for the local team Vipers Sports Club, which has expressed its sorrow over the “untimely passing of our beloved player.”
Tributes have poured in for the footballer, who joined Vipers in July 2022 after a two-year period with AS Kigali in Rwanda. In 2023, he played a key role in helping Vipers secure both the league and cup titles.
The club remarked, “Lawal (Man from Sokoto) was a remarkable individual with a heart of gold. He genuinely cared for others and was always willing to lend a hand. His generosity was unmatched.”
His former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, stated, “We mourn the sudden loss of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest.”
Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza expressed his grief, saying, “It’s hard to accept that you’re no longer with us, Lawal. A kind, talented, joyful, and loving person—you will always be missed, brother.”
Local media reports indicate that the circumstances surrounding Lawal’s death remain unclear, with conflicting accounts emerging. Some outlets initially claimed he had died in a motorcycle accident.
The police have confirmed that they are investigating the precise circumstances of his death.
“Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting comprehensive interviews to determine the exact details surrounding the incident,” the police stated.
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They have also recovered several personal items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets, and a training kit.
“Further updates will be shared as the investigation continues,” the police added.
