The mysterious death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal has left more questions than answers.
Two weeks after the incident, investigations into his fatal fall from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja have stalled, fueling suspicions of a cover-up.
Despite initial pledges by the police to review CCTV footage and question key witnesses, little progress has been made, and crucial details remain shrouded in silence.
What Happened to Lawal?
On the morning of the incident, Lawal arrived at the mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet Tanzanian woman Omary Naima in Room 416.
According to Naima, she left Lawal preparing tea and went to a game center in the mall. Shortly after, at around 8 a.m., Lawal allegedly fell from the balcony.
He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Initial reports on social media and mainstream media falsely claimed Lawal had died in a motor accident along Entebbe Road.
However, Kajjansi Police Division later confirmed they were investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
A Stalled Investigation
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire stated that authorities were retrieving CCTV footage and conducting interrogations to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
Yet, two weeks later, no footage has been reviewed or released, and sources suggest that police are keeping details tightly under wraps.
The lack of transparency has only fueled speculation. Reports indicate that a top Ugandan football official was among the first to arrive at the scene, raising questions about his presence and whether he has been formally questioned.
Related: Vipers SC Forward Abubakar Lawal Dies in Road Accident
Allegations and Silence
Key to the investigation are allegations that a top Tanzanian footballer was in Entebbe and left the country soon after Lawal’s death.
While this line of inquiry hinges on speculation that the Taifa Stars player was involved with Naima, it remains unverified.
Nigerian international Ahmed Musa has called for a thorough investigation, stating, “Lawal’s soul deserves justice, and the truth must be revealed if anyone is found guilty.”
However, even the results of the post-mortem—if conducted—have not been released, leaving critical questions unanswered.
A Pattern of Neglect?
Lawal’s case is not the first time a Nigerian footballer in Uganda has faced tragedy.
In 2017, Vincent Onyebuchi, a former Express FC defender, suffered a career-ending injury during a match. He spent three agonizing years relying on Good Samaritans for survival after his former club abandoned him.
For many Nigerian players in the Ugandan Premier League, their careers often go unnoticed back home unless tragedy strikes.
Lawal, who joined Vipers SC in July 2022, made history by scoring the club’s first-ever CAF Champions League group stage goal in March 2023.
He also helped Vipers secure their first league and cup double that year. Despite his contributions, his death risks being swept under the rug.
Will Justice Be Served?
As the investigation languishes, the lack of pressure from the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala deepens suspicions that this case may follow the same path as others—fading into obscurity without resolution.
The silence surrounding Lawal’s death raises troubling questions about accountability and transparency.
Will the truth ever come to light, or will Lawal’s name quietly fade into the background, becoming just another tragic story of a foreign footballer’s untimely end in Uganda?
