The Ugandan police are investigating the death of a Nigerian professional footballer, Abubakar Lawal, who allegedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala.
Lawal, 29, was said to have visited a Tanzanian friend, Omary Naima, who lives in a room within the mall building.
According to the police, Naima left Lawal preparing tea in her room before the tragic incident happened.
Lawal was rushed to the hospital, but doctors confirmed his death.
The striker played for Uganda’s Vipers Sports Club, joining the team in July 2022 after a two-year spell with AS Kigali in Rwanda.
Vipers Sports Club expressed their sorrow, saying, “Lawal (Man from Sokoto) was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He really cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was incredibly generous.”
His former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, also mourned his passing. “We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest,” the club stated.
Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza shared his grief, saying, “It’s hard to take in that you’re no more Lawal. A kind, talented, jolly, and loving person you have been. You will forever be missed bro.”
The incident has sparked questions, as some local media had initially reported that Lawal died in a motorcycle accident.
The police confirmed they are investigating the exact circumstances of his death.
“Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said.
They also recovered some of Lawal’s belongings, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets, and his training kit.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police added.
