Tanzanian national Omary Naima arrested over death of Vipers’ forward Abubakar Lawal

Entebbe, (UG):- The Police at Kajjansi Division are holding in custody Omary Naima, a female Tanzanian national, for the alleged connection with the tragic death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian forward for Vipers SC, who died on Monday after allegedly falling from the third floor at Voice Mall Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja, along Entebbe Road.

Naima, believed to be the last person with Lawal before his death, is currently held at Kajjansi Police Station in Wakiso District as investigations continue.

In a statement released on Monday evening, police detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The 39-year-old forward, who arrived at Voice Mall in his car, registration number UBQ 695G, was reportedly visiting Naima, who had been staying in room 416 since February 20, 2025.

Naima, who attended St. Mary’s Kitende on a basketball scholarship, had traveled from Tanzania to Uganda with her parents’ consent, initially to pursue her basketball career.

According to her statement, the Tanzanian national said she left Lawal preparing tea in the room and went to a nearby game center within the mall.

Moments later, around 8:00 AM, Lawal fell from the balcony and was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police said they recovered several personal items from Lawal’s black backpack, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers.

Lawal’s family has requested that his body be repatriated to Nigeria, and Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa pledged to assist with the process.