By Located in Bwebajja, Voice Hotel offers accommodation with 76 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor event spaces, bars, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and a shopping mall. However, this upscale establishment is now at the center of a high-profile investigation following the tragic death of Vipers SC footballer Lawal.
Investigations have revealed that a young Tanzanian woman, Omary Naima, who had checked into the hotel four days earlier, is a key figure in the unfolding case.
On Monday, Lawal reportedly arrived at the hotel and visited Naima, who was staying in Room 416 on the third floor. However, an unidentified male visitor later arrived at the reception, asking to see Naima. The receptionist, following standard protocol, contacted Naima via the room’s landline to inform her about the visitor.
What happened next remains unclear and has raised significant questions. Sources indicate that upon learning about the second visitor, Naima allegedly asked Lawal to find a quick way out. In a shocking turn of events, Lawal reportedly attempted to escape by jumping out of the fourth-floor window.
Despite initial reports that Lawal jumped in a bid to avoid an encounter with the visitor, many unanswered questions remain. He had the option to leave through the stairway—so why did he choose such a dangerous escape route? Could he have sensed an imminent threat inside the room?
A witness stated, “Lawal tried to find an escape route and, in the process, jumped off the third floor, falling to his death.” Police were later called to the scene and transported his body to Entebbe Referral Hospital.
However, a second account contradicts this version of events. Hotel staff, including a cleaner, told detectives that both the bedroom and bathroom doors appeared to have been damaged, possibly indicating forced entry. This raises suspicions that Lawal may not have left the room voluntarily.
Police officers arrived at the scene, cordoned off the hotel, and began collecting evidence, including CCTV footage. However, detectives encountered difficulties in securing all relevant recordings. The CCTV operator informed investigators that some cameras were not operational but provided footage showing Lawal’s silver Toyota Rumion entering and exiting the hotel four times. The vehicle is currently impounded at Kajjansi Police Station.
Seven hotel employees—including the manager, security guards, receptionists, and cleaners—were taken in for questioning. Their statements revealed inconsistencies, particularly in relation to the receptionist’s account.
Shocking images of Lawal’s body, reviewed by detectives, showed extensive facial injuries, bruising around his nose, right eye, and lips, as well as a significantly darker left eyelid. Additionally, both of his limbs were broken, leading to speculation that he may have sustained injuries before the fall.
Receipts recovered from the hotel room suggest that Vipers SC was covering Naima’s expenses. It is reported that she was undergoing basketball training sponsored by St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School, Kitende. However, Vipers SC Head of Communications, Abdul Wasike, clarified that “Omary Naima was a former student at St. Mary’s Kitende and played basketball for the school, but not for Vipers FC.”
The management of Voice Mall and Hotel has remained tight-lipped, directing all inquiries to the police. A representative who responded to calls simply stated, “We cannot provide any information regarding the incident. Please refer to the police’s official statement.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. He stated that police had recovered Lawal’s personal belongings, including two smartphones, a pair of sandals, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, all of which are being held as evidence.
“We have not yet determined whether it was suicide or foul play. Our detectives are conducting thorough investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding his death,” Owoyesigyire said.
Lawal joined Vipers SC in 2022 from AS Kigali in Rwanda as a direct replacement for César Manzoki. His relentless work ethic and technical skill quickly won over the club’s fans.
He will be forever remembered for his historic goal against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League, securing a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. That goal, which was Vipers’ first-ever in the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition, was a moment of immense pride for the club. Today, it serves as a bittersweet reminder of his legacy.
As investigations continue, several key questions remain:
- Did someone want Lawal dead?
- Why did he jump out of the hotel building instead of using the staircases?
- Was he pushed, or did he voluntarily leap to his death?
- Was he assaulted before the fall?
- Who was the unidentified male visitor?
- Why did Naima ask Lawal to leave in such urgency?
- Why did Naima leave the room before the incident?
- Was Lawal already dead when he was taken to the hospital?
With ongoing police investigations, the full truth behind Lawal’s tragic death remains to be uncovered.
