Sigma Olomouc have moved decisively into the market, snapping up one of Uganda’s brightest attacking prospects with the acquisition of 20-year-old striker John Paul Dembe from Swedish club BK Häcken.
The Czech outfit wasted little time integrating their new signing. Dembe has already joined the squad at their pre-season training base in Spain, immersing himself in preparations for the new campaign as he begins the next chapter of a rapidly ascending career.
Still early in his development but rich in experience beyond his years, Dembe arrives in Central Europe carrying the confidence of a forward who has tested himself in demanding environments, both domestically in Sweden and on the European stage. The move to Olomouc represents not just a transfer, but a calculated step forward in his long-term ambitions.
“I’m happy to be here and that I’m already a Sigma player. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and joining the training. I’m excited that a club with such ambitions as Sigma has reached out to me. It’s another important step in my career,” said Sigma’s new attacking acquisition.
Determined to make his mark, Dembe has set his sights firmly on growth and contribution, viewing the opportunity as a platform to sharpen his craft and push the team toward its goals.
“My goal is to work hard, continue to improve and help the team as best I can. I believe that together we will be successful,” added John Paul Dembe.
From Sigma Olomouc’s standpoint, the Ugandan forward fits squarely into both their immediate plans and their future vision. Club officials see a player whose profile, youthful yet battle-tested, offers significant upside.
“He is an interesting player who meets our expectations . Despite his youth, he already has experience from the Swedish top league and European cups. We see great potential in him, especially for the future. We believe that he will do well with us and help us fulfill our ambitions,” said Sigma’s general sports manager Pavel Hapal.
Dembe’s journey to this point has been marked by steady progression. Born on July 3, 2005, in Kampala, he honed his early skills at KCCA FC, a renowned breeding ground for Ugandan talent. His promise soon earned him a move abroad, with BK Häcken securing his signature in 2023.
In Sweden, Dembe continued to mature, supplementing his development with a brief loan spell at Superettan side Oddevold in the spring of 2024. That period proved valuable, providing regular minutes and sharpening his competitive edge.
His time at Häcken yielded tangible success. Dembe was part of the squad that claimed the Swedish Cup in the 2024/25 season and made meaningful contributions in continental competition. Across Europa League and Conference League outings, he featured in 10 matches, scoring four goals during the qualifying rounds and league phase. He also gained exposure in the Allsvenskan during the 2025 campaign.
On the international scene, his finishing instincts have been even more pronounced. At under-20 level for Uganda, Dembe has struck seven goals in seven appearances, a return that underscores his reputation as a clinical and instinctive striker.
