Vipers SC and Uganda Cranes star Allan Okello has shed light on his controversial move to Vipers, revealing how his former club, KCCA FC, mishandled his return from Algeria and left him feeling abandoned.
The attacking midfielder, who joined Vipers at the start of last season as a free agent after his contract with Paradou AC was terminated, did not hold back during an interview on the Pitchside YouTube channel.
“After my contract was terminated in Algeria, I returned to Uganda and waited for KCCA because that was always my home,” Okello said.
“I gave them all the time they needed. They started negotiating with my agent, but they couldn’t reach an agreement. It felt like they didn’t want me to play for them anymore.”
A Painful Reunion Gone Wrong
Okello disclosed that KCCA’s approach left him questioning his place at the club he once called home.
“They made me feel like a stranger in a place that should’ve been my comfort zone. It was really hard to accept that.”
Reports suggest KCCA were ready to offer Okello a contract, including a signing bonus, but they insisted he undergo knee surgery in the process, something he wasn’t willing to do.
As KCCA hesitated, Vipers SC seized the moment. Okello explained how Vipers President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa personally convinced him to make the switch.
“I got a call from Dr. Mulindwa, and we met face-to-face. People say it’s hard to turn down a deal from him once you meet him, and that’s how I ended up at Vipers.”
From Lugogo Prodigy to Venoms Star
Okello’s football journey started at KCCA, where he graduated from the club’s development side and made his Uganda Premier League debut in 2017.
His talent earned him a move to Paradou AC in Algeria in 2020, but he returned to KCCA on a season-long loan in 2022/23 after struggling abroad.
Following his permanent move to Vipers, Okello has been in sensational form.
This season, he has scored seven goals and provided one assist in the UPL, helping Vipers climb the league standings.
A Star for Club and Country
Okello’s impact extends beyond club football.
He registered three assists as Uganda secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, showcasing his importance to the national team.
Moving Forward
Despite his rocky exit from KCCA, Okello’s career is on an upward trajectory.
With his performances for Vipers and the Cranes, he has firmly re-established himself as one of Uganda’s top football talents.
His story is a reminder of how quickly allegiances can shift in football and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
