Uganda Premier League leaders Vipers SC are mourning the loss of their forward, Abubaker Lawal, who tragically passed away in a motor accident on Monday morning.
The Nigerian striker, aged 29, lost his life following a crash along Entebbe Road in Kampala, the club confirmed in an official statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning,” read a statement from Vipers SC.
The club further revealed that Lawal’s body has been transferred to a medical facility for a post-mortem examination, and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Lawal joined Vipers in July 2022 from Rwandan club AS Kigali, where he had spent two years. During his time with the Venoms, he played a crucial role in both domestic and continental competitions. Last season, he featured in 24 matches across the Uganda Premier League and the CAF Champions League, netting five goals. One of his most memorable moments came when he scored Vipers’ historic first-ever goal in the group stages of the CAF Champions League against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.
Before moving to East Africa, the powerful striker played for Nasarawa United in his native Nigeria, where he made a name for himself as a formidable forward.
Shockingly, just three days before his untimely passing, Lawal was named as an unused substitute in Vipers’ Uganda Cup victory over Mbarara City. His sudden death has left the football community in shock, with fans, teammates, and football figures taking to social media to pay tribute to his contributions to the game.
The Ugandan football fraternity is expected to hold a moment of silence in his honor during upcoming league matches, as players and supporters come to terms with the tragic loss of one of the league’s brightest talents
