Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has paid a moving tribute to the late Abubakar Lawal, describing him as the epitome of professionalism, discipline, and commitment during his time at Vipers SC.
The Vipers SC president was speaking at a Dua prayer service held in honour of the Nigerian forward at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where players, officials, and fans gathered to remember a man who left an indelible mark on the club.
“You don’t need to open dictionaries or another book to understand what a professional footballer should be. We had him here,” Mulindwa said.
“Lawal was a great player, very disciplined, and respectful to everyone—whether younger ones, older ones, the administration, or his fellow players.”
Lawal’s impact at Vipers went beyond the pitch. He was instrumental in the club’s 2022/23 Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup double triumph.
His historic goal against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League group stages further cemented his legacy as one of the club’s most significant signings.
Mulindwa revealed that despite receiving offers from other clubs, Lawal chose to stay at Vipers because of his love for the club and his desire to help them win another trophy.
“When his contract expired, he told me, ‘I want to go, but I can’t leave without a trophy,’” Mulindwa recalled. “That was Lawal’s mission, and the mission must continue.”
The Vipers president urged players and fans to carry on Lawal’s dream by maintaining focus and dedication to the club’s ambitions.
Beyond paying tribute to Lawal’s professionalism, Mulindwa announced that Vipers SC would take full responsibility for repatriating his body to Nigeria.
He acknowledged the challenges involved, explaining that the club had to charter a plane to ensure Lawal’s remains reached his hometown of Sokoto, nearly 1,000 kilometers from Lagos.
“Repatriating a body is not an easy process, and sometimes it takes months, but we have done everything to make it happen as quickly as possible,” he stated. “His body will be flown back on Sunday.”
Mulindwa also made a heartfelt commitment to continue supporting Lawal’s family, promising that Vipers would pay his full salary to them for the next six months.
“We are going to be paying the family for the next six months the equivalent of what Lawal has been getting,” Mulindwa confirmed. “It is the least we can do for a player who gave everything for this club.”
As Vipers prepare to face Mbarara City on Sunday, Mulindwa urged fans to attend in honour of their fallen hero.
“This game is for Lawal. I call upon all friends and supporters to come and watch that game in respect of our foreign hero,” he said.
