When Allan Okello joined Vipers SC in 2023, his impact was instant. The gifted midfielder quickly rose to prominence, becoming the club’s standout performer and the creative heartbeat of the Venoms.
But Okello’s rapid rise at Kitende was not a solo act, it was powered by strong chemistry, especially with Abdul Karim Watambala.
Watambala played a key role in helping Okello settle at Vipers. The pair struck an immediate understanding on and off the pitch, forming one of the most exciting partnerships in the Uganda Premier League.
Their bond was hardly surprising: both players are managed by NextPro Sports Management Agency, and their familiarity translated seamlessly into matchday performances.
Their relationship went beyond football tactics. Goal celebrations often found them side by side, most notably the now-familiar “shot-and-fall gun gesture” whenever either of them found the back of the net.
On several occasions, both openly referred to each other as best friends, a rare but genuine connection in professional football.
That partnership, however, was always going to be tested. In the ongoing January transfer window, Okello completed a move to Young Africans SC, while Watambala remained at Vipers after renewing his contract with the Venoms at the start of the season.
For many, the big question was how Vipers, and Watambala in particular, would cope without their talisman.
Football, though, waits for no one.
Rather than dwell on Okello’s departure, Watambala has quickly forged a new understanding, this time with Usama Arafat.
The duo has wasted no time announcing themselves as Vipers’ new attacking axis, combining pace, intelligence, and ruthless end product.
There was widespread anticipation around how Vipers would respond on the pitch following Okello’s exit.
While belief remained that the squad had enough depth, reality dictated that the player who left was their best. Yet, paradoxically, Vipers have looked even more lethal.
Since Okello’s departure, the Venoms have played two Uganda Premier League matches, and won both convincingly.
They brushed aside URA FC 3–0 before dismantling Police FC 4–1, scoring freely and dominating proceedings.
Watambala was on the scoresheet against URA, while Usama provided an assist in that match at Nakivubo, Vipers’ first outing without Okello.
Days later, Kitende witnessed a statement performance. Playing at home without Okello for the first time, it was a Watambala–Usama show, with both players getting on the scoresheet against third-placed Police FC.
Their growing influence underlines a significant shift. While Watambala was already among Vipers’ top performers even when Okello was still around, the latter’s exit has removed the shadow and placed greater responsibility and spotlight, on him.
In truth, retaining Okello would always have been the ideal scenario, but modern football is unforgiving. Vipers, however, appear to have prepared well.
Usama’s arrival now looks less like coincidence and more like succession planning, and so far, it has worked to perfection.
Individually, the numbers tell a compelling story.
Usama Arafat has eight goal contributions (five goals, three assists).
Abdul Karim Watambala follows closely with seven (six goals, one assist).
Allan Okello departed with six (three goals, three assists).
Awards have followed performances: Watambala was named Man of the Match against URA, while Usama claimed the accolade against Police.
Okello may have moved on, but Vipers have not stalled. Instead, they have evolved, with Watambala at the heart of it and Usama providing the spark. The post-Okello era is underway at Kitende, and for now, it looks anything but bleak.
