Ugandan international and attacking midfielder Allan Okello has finally lifted the lid on the dramatic twist that saw him join Vipers SC after a failed homecoming to his boyhood club, KCCA FC.
In an open and emotional chat with journalist Andrew Mwanguhya on The Game of Life, the 24-year-old recounted his turbulent journey — from being clubless and injured to being lured to Kitende by Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, the influential Vipers president.
Okello revealed that after his contract ran out, he was desperate to find a club that could support his recovery while also keeping him financially stable.
“I had to look for a team, and it was now coming to four months. I needed a club to treat me and also pay me,” Okello said.
With his future uncertain, Okello and his manager sought a return to familiar ground, KCCA, hoping the club would offer medical support and a short-term deal.
“So, I spoke with my manager, and he told me, ‘Let’s go back to KCCA.’ I went back to Lugogo and told them about my desire to stay at the club, but on condition that they treat me and then I play for them again.
KCCA told me that whatever I demanded, they were not going to do it. They were not ready to do it.”
Word that the talented playmaker was unattached soon reached Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, who immediately sprang into action.
“This news reached Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, and he knew I was free. He called me, scheduled a meeting, and told me we couldn’t talk about everything on the phone,” Okello revealed.
Their meeting at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, proved to be the turning point. Okello says he was struck by Dr. Mulindwa’s empathy and decisiveness.
“When we met, the president told me he knew I was going through a lot, so he asked me to say everything I wanted,” Okello recalled, adding with a grin, “The FUFA Honorary President surely knows how to convince a player.”
Before any talk of contracts or bonuses, Mulindwa assured Okello that his health would be taken care of immediately.
“Before asking anything from him, I told him I wanted to be treated. And before we even agreed on anything, he told me, ‘Tomorrow, you’re going for a scan.’
Then I also told him I have a young sister in Form Four, and since I’m responsible for her, I asked if she could join St. Mary’s Kitende. He said it was okay.”
Without even haggling over figures, Okello says Mulindwa met every one of his requests — a gesture that sealed the deal.
“He told me, ‘Tomorrow, come and sign the contract.’ We had issues with the sign-on fees and salary, but he still agreed to my demands. In short, I got everything I wanted. So for all that, I can and will never disrespect Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for whatever he has done for me.”
Since completing his move, Okello has flourished at Vipers, becoming a key figure in their title-winning campaigns and helping the Venoms lift both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup. With his confidence restored, his sights are now set on a strong run in the CAF Champions League.
