Ugandan midfield maestro Allan Okello is officially a Young Africans SC (Yanga) player, with only the club’s formal announcement pending to complete one of the most high-profile transfers in East African football history.
The 25-year-old joins the Tanzanian giants on a three-year contract in a deal valued at $300,000 (approximately UGX 1 billion), making it the second-highest transfer fee in Vipers SC history. The move trails only Farouk Miya’s $400,000 transfer to Belgian side Standard Liège in 2016 and surpasses the reported $200,000 Vipers earned from the sale of Cesar Manzoki to China.
Lucrative Deal Reflects Okello’s Rising Stock
According to highly trusted sources, Okello has secured a $100,000 (UGX 360 million) sign-on fee, underlining his growing status as one of the most valuable footballers in the region. In addition, the creative midfielder is set to earn a monthly salary of $15,000 (around UGX 54 million), placing him among the highest-paid Ugandan players currently active.
While Miya remains Vipers’ most expensive export, Okello’s final transfer fee reflects the club’s strong negotiating position following multiple rejected bids. At the start of the 2025/26 season, Vipers reportedly turned down a $500,000 (UGX 1.8 billion) offer from Yanga, choosing instead to retain Okello for their CAF Champions League campaign.
From Rejected Mega Offer to January Exit
Vipers believed Okello’s influence could drive them into the CAF Champions League group stages. However, after failing to qualify and with Okello entering the final year of a contract that was not set for renewal, the club faced a difficult decision.
With only six months left on his deal, Vipers opted to sell in January rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer—an outcome that ultimately paved the way for Yanga to land their man.
A Trophy-Laden Exit from Vipers SC
Okello leaves Vipers SC on a high, having enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 season. He helped the Venoms clinch both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, while also finishing as the UPL top scorer with 19 goals.
Since joining Vipers in September 2023, Okello amassed 26 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as the creative and attacking heartbeat of the team.
Mulindwa’s Masterstroke and the KCCA Twist
Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has been widely praised for capitalizing on Okello’s situation in 2023. The midfielder joined Vipers as a free agent on 21 September 2023, after KCCA FC failed to finalize a return deal following his loan spell from Algerian side Paradou AC.
Mulindwa reportedly only had to finance Okello’s knee injury treatment to complete the signing. For that three-year employment contract at Vipers, Okello is believed to have received a $30,000 (around UGX 113 million) sign-on fee—an investment that has now yielded massive returns.
During his 2022/23 loan spell at KCCA FC, Okello scored six goals in 26 UPL matches, showing flashes of the brilliance that would later fully resurface at Vipers.
National Team Resurgence and Continental Impact
Okello’s club resurgence quickly translated to the international stage. Since 2023, he has re-established himself as a key figure for the Uganda Cranes, delivering decisive performances after overcoming injury setbacks.
• CHAN 2024: Scored three goals, finishing as Uganda’s top scorer and leading the Cranes to their first-ever quarterfinal appearance.
• World Cup Qualifiers: Netted crucial goals against Guinea, Mozambique, and Somalia, proving his value in high-pressure fixtures.
His vision, precise distribution, and knack for scoring important goals have made him a central creative force in the national team setup.
Career Journey: From Lira to the Continental Stage
Born and raised in Lira, Allan Okello’s rise is a story of raw talent and relentless ambition. He burst onto the scene at KCCA FC, famously announcing himself with a hat-trick against Onduparaka FC in 2017.
A move to Paradou AC in 2020 offered him exposure to a more tactical and physical brand of football in North Africa. After returning home, first on loan at KCCA and later permanently to Vipers SC, Okello matured into a complete midfielder capable of dictating games at the highest level.
Career Statistics
| Years | Club | Appearances | Goals |
| 2016–2020 | KCCA FC | 112 | 39 |
| 2020–2023 | Paradou AC | 55 | 4 |
| 2023–2025 | Vipers SC | 58 | 26 |
Honours and Legacy
Okello’s trophy cabinet reflects both individual excellence and team success. His accolades include:
• Airtel FUFA Male Footballer of the Year (2019)
• Buzz Teeniez Sports Personality of the Year (2019)
• Uganda Premier League Golden Boot (2024/25)
At club level, he won two Uganda Premier League titles and two Uganda Cups with KCCA FC, before guiding Vipers to a league and cup double last season.
A New Chapter with Yanga
At Young Africans SC, Okello joins a squad eager to consolidate its dominance in the Tanzanian Premier League and make a strong impression in the CAF Champions League. For the player, the move represents a chance to shine on a bigger regional stage and further elevate his profile.
From a gifted youngster in northern Uganda to one of the most valuable and highest-paid footballers in East Africa, Allan Okello’s journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and excellence. His next chapter in Dar es Salaam promises to be just as compelling.
