Sad News coming in from Kitende-based club, Vipers SC, indicates that Midfielder Abubakar Lawal tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident on Monday along Entebbe Road. The 29-year-old was reportedly on his way to training when the incident occurred, cutting short a vibrant career that had left an indelible mark on Ugandan football. Details of the accident remain sparse as investigations unfold, but the loss has already reverberated far beyond the pitch, with tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and rival clubs alike.
Lawal, born on September 3, 1995, brought his talent to Vipers SC in July 2022, arriving from Rwanda’s AS Kigali after a notable journey through Nigerian clubs like Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, and Nasarawa United. His versatility as a centre-forward, occasionally shifting to second striker or right winger, quickly made him a fan favorite. In the 2022/23 season, he scored a crucial goal that helped secure the championship for Vipers, a moment etched in the club’s history. Just last year, in April 2024, he found the net again against Kitara, propelling his team to the top of the league standings. His most recent match, a 2-0 victory over Kampala City on February 16, 2025, showcased his enduring contribution right up until this tragic day.
Entebbe Road, notorious for its bustling traffic and frequent accidents, became the unintended stage for this heartbreaking event. While the exact circumstances—whether Lawal was riding or a passenger—await clarification, Vipers SC swiftly confirmed the devastating news in an official statement released at 2:56 PM EAT. “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubaker Lawal, who left us this morning,” the club shared on X. “His body has been transferred to a medical facility for postmortem examination. 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 club’s words captured the collective grief of a community blindsided by the loss of a player who had been with them for nearly three years.
The response was immediate and heartfelt. URA FC, a fierce rival, set aside competition to mourn, “We join Vipers and the entire football family to mourn the passing of Abubaker Lawal. He was a fierce competitor and playing against him was an enjoyable challenge. We will keep him in our prayers and mourn with his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Lawal’s path to Uganda had been one of ambition and resilience. Before Vipers, he sharpened his skills in Nigeria’s competitive leagues and briefly considered a move to Vietnam in January 2023, only to stay and solidify his legacy with the Venoms. His goals weren’t just statistics—they were moments of joy for fans, like the strike that clinched the title two seasons ago or the one that lifted Vipers past Kitara last April. Now, as his body rests in a Kampala medical facility awaiting a postmortem, the focus shifts to honoring his memory. Funeral plans remain pending, but the football fraternity is already uniting to ensure his legacy endures.
