On Thursday, February 27, six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC held Dua prayers in honor of their fallen Nigerian ahead, Abubaker Lawal.
The 26-year-old tragically handed away on Monday morning, with preliminary police experiences indicating that he allegedly fell from the balcony of Voice Purchasing Mall in Bwebajja, the place he had gone to satisfy a Tanzanian good friend, Omary Naima.
Lawal, who joined Vipers in July 2022 from Rwanda’s AS Kigali, was a key a part of the membership’s success, serving to them safe the elusive 2022/23 home double.
He additionally made historical past by scoring Vipers’ first-ever CAF Champions League group-stage aim in a 1-1 draw towards Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca on March 18, 2023, at Kitende.
The Late Lawal celebrating away aim towards Kitara FC within the 2023/24 UPL season.
His remaining league look for Vipers got here in a match towards KCCA FC, the place he got here on as an Eighty fifth-minute substitute, whereas he was an unused substitute within the Stanbic Uganda Cup victory over Mbarara Metropolis at Kitende.
This season, he had featured in eight league matches for the Venoms.
Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa Calls for Investigations
Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa through the the occasion.
In the course of the solemn occasion, Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa known as upon the Police and different safety companies to conduct a radical investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lawal’s premature loss of life.
I name upon the Police and different departments to hold out correct investigations. We could not have the ability to carry again Lawal, however we need to know the trigger.”
Dr. Mulindwa took a second to replicate on Lawal’s professionalism and character, describing him as a real icon of self-discipline, humility, and integrity.
You don’t must open dictionaries or one other ebook to elucidate or perceive what knowledgeable participant is meant to be. We had him right here. He was an excellent participant, very disciplined. When you ask fellow gamers or coaches, they’ll inform you an identical.”
Lawal was a person of excessive integrity, very respectful to everybody – youthful ones, older ones, the administration, and his fellow gamers. He contributed massively to Vipers SC and beloved this membership dearly.”
Lawal’s Dedication to Vipers and His Unfinished Mission
Dr. Mulindwa additionally revealed how Lawal was deeply dedicated to Vipers SC, even turning down alternatives to depart the membership in pursuit of one other trophy.
Lawal joined Vipers in July 2022, and his function in our success was essential. When his contract expired, he advised me, ‘I need to go, however I can’t go away and not using a trophy.’ He was decided to remain and assist Vipers reclaim glory. That was Lawal’s mission, and the mission should proceed. It requires calmness and focus.”
In honor of Lawal, we’re dedicating our recreation on Sunday, March 2, 2025, towards Mbarara Metropolis FC to him. I name upon all mates and supporters to return and watch that recreation in respect of our international hero.”
The Repatriation Course of for Lawal’s Physique
Dr. Mulindwa additionally offered an replace on the efforts to repatriate Lawal’s physique to Nigeria, emphasizing the challenges and prices concerned.
Repatriating a physique from one nation to a different is just not straightforward. It requires quite a few paperwork and processes, which is why, in some instances, it takes months. However I’m completely happy that within the final two days, rather a lot has been achieved.”*
He confirmed that Lawal’s physique shall be flown again to Nigeria on Sunday, acknowledging the numerous bills concerned in chartering a particular flight.
Lawal was from Sokoto, which is 984 kilometers from Lagos. Most flights from Entebbe go to Lagos, however transporting a physique past that could be a problem as a result of home flights will not be licensed for such functions.”
So, we needed to constitution a airplane from Lagos to Sokoto, which could be very costly, however in respect of our fallen hero, we’ve ensured that each one funds are made and preparations are in place.”
A Remaining Goodbye
Because the Vipers SC household, followers, and well-wishers gathered to hope for Abubaker Lawal, the message was clear: he was not only a proficient footballer however a real skilled, a pacesetter, and a person of honor.
His legacy at Vipers SC and in Ugandan soccer will stay on, and his dream of main the membership to extra glory will proceed to encourage these he left behind.
Relaxation in Peace, Abubaker Lawal.
Pictorial moments
