With or without the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Allan Okello was always destined to be one of the most sought-after names in this transfer window.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 season with Vipers, winning the domestic double (Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup) and finishing as the league’s top scorer.
His form, coupled with standout performances for the Uganda Cranes, has placed him firmly on the radar of top clubs across Africa.
Shining for Club and Country
Okello’s contributions went beyond domestic football. For the Cranes, he was central to Uganda’s successful AFCON 2025 qualification campaign, helping the team secure a long-awaited return to the continent’s grand stage after missing out since 2019.
At CHAN 2024, he added another chapter to his rising profile. He guided Uganda past the group stages for the first time in history, before they narrowly bowed out in the quarterfinals against defending champions Senegal.
Okello finished among the tournament’s leading scorers with three goals, cementing his status as one of the standout players of the competition.
Interest Across the Continent
Unsurprisingly, Okello’s stock has skyrocketed.
North Africa: Algerian giants USM Algiers are keen to bring him back, having previously featured for Paradou AC before parting ways amicably.
Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC, once coached by former Uganda Cranes boss Sebastien Desabre, are also keeping tabs.
East Africa: Regional heavyweights Simba SC (Tanzania), Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards of Kenya are monitoring his situation closely. Leopards’ interest in particular is said to be concrete.
Okello Stays Grounded
Despite the mounting speculation, Okello insists he remains focused on Vipers, where he is entering the final year of his contract.
“As a player, I am really happy where I am today,” he said with a smile when asked about AFC Leopards’ reported interest shortly after Uganda’s CHAN exit.
“The CHAN tournament is done and I’m now looking forward to rejoining my teammates at Vipers ahead of the new season.”
While acknowledging his ambitions, he struck a measured tone: “Whatever comes next, you never know. I still have the dream to play professionally again, but for now my focus is on my club.”
A Valued Asset at Vipers
At Vipers, Okello is not just another player, he is highly prized. Club president Lawrence Mulindwa reportedly regards him as a personal favorite, and with CAF Champions League football on the horizon, the club is unlikely to part with him cheaply.
Any move would require a substantial offer, underlining how highly he is valued in Kitende.
What Next?
Okello’s future remains one of the most compelling transfer stories to watch this window.
For now, he stays committed to Vipers, but with suitors from both North and East Africa circling, his next chapter could be just around the corner.
