Czech Republic top-flight club Sigma Olomouc completed a major statement signing, securing highly rated Ugandan forward John Paul Dembe in a deal worth €1.5 million (approximately UGX 6 billion) from Swedish side BK Häcken.
The transfer represents one of the most significant fees ever paid for a young Ugandan attacker, underlining Sigma Olomouc’s belief in Dembe’s immense potential and long-term value.
The 20-year-old striker already linked up with his new teammates and is currently part of the club’s training camp in Spain as preparations begin for the upcoming season.
Dembe arrived in Olomouc as a player firmly on the rise, eager to embrace a new challenge in Central Europe after gaining valuable experience in Sweden and on the European stage.
“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,” Dembe said.
From Sigma Olomouc’s perspective, the €1.5 million investment reflects both immediate reinforcement and a strategic move for the future. Club officials believe Dembe’s blend of youth, experience, and natural goal-scoring instinct fits perfectly into their sporting project.
“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.
Born on July 3, 2005, in Kampala, Dembe began his football journey at KCCA FC, one of Uganda’s most respected academies. His rapid rise saw him move to BK Häcken in 2023, where he continued to refine his game, including a loan spell at second-division side Oddevold in the spring of 2024.
His time in Sweden proved productive. Dembe was part of the Häcken squad that lifted the Swedish Cup in the 2024/25 season and made a strong impression in Europe. Across the Europa League and Conference League, he featured in 10 matches, scoring four goals during qualifying rounds and the league phase, while also gaining minutes in the Allsvenskan during the 2025 season.
On the international stage, Dembe’s reputation continues to soar. Representing Uganda at under-20 level, he has scored seven goals in seven appearances, reinforcing his status as one of East Africa’s most exciting young forwards.
