The Uganda Premier League (UPL) will pay tribute to the late Vipers SC striker Abubakar Lawal with a moment of silence across all match day 18 fixtures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the league secretariat confirmed that the tribute will be observed before kickoff at every game in memory of the Nigerian forward, who passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.
“The Uganda Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of Abubakar Lawal, a player at Vipers SC, which occurred on Monday, 24th February 2025. Accordingly, the league will observe a moment of silence at all match day 18 fixtures in memory of our departed player,” read the statement.
Lawal, who helped Vipers to their first ever double, winning the league and the Uganda Cup, tragically lost his life after falling from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja.
His club, Vipers SC, will hold special prayers for him at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Thursday.
Match Day 18 of the Uganda Premier League will resume on Saturday, March 1, with four matches lined up.
Kitara will host URA at Royal Park in Butema, while Mbale Heroes will welcome Police to Mbale Municipal Stadium.
Bright Stars take on BUL at Kavumba Recreation Grounds, and NEC will battle Lugazi under the floodlights at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
On Sunday, March 2, Vipers, for whom Lawal played, will be in action against Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Elsewhere, defending champions SC Villa will visit UPDF at Bombo Military Grounds, as Maroons entertain KCCA at Luzira Prisons Grounds.
The match day will conclude on Monday, March 3, when Express host Wakiso Giants at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.