Uganda Cranes playmaker Allan Okello has opened up about the dramatic turn of events that led to his move to Vipers SC, after his boyhood club KCCA FC failed to meet his conditions for a return.
Speaking candidly to journalist Andrew Mwanguhya on The Game of Life, the 24-year-old detailed his journey from uncertainty as a free agent to being persuaded by Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, the Vipers president, to join the Kitende-based side.
Okello revealed that after his contract expired, he was desperate to find a club that would support his recovery from injury while keeping him financially stable.
“I had to look for a team, and it is now coming to four months. I have to get a club to treat me and also get my pay cheque,” Okello revealed.
With his future up in the air, Okello and his manager explored a possible reunion with KCCA, hoping the club would offer him medical support and a short-term deal:
“So, I spoke with my manager, and he told me, let’s go back to KCCA. I go back to Lugogo and told them about my desire to stay at the club, but on condition they treat me, and then I play for them again. KCCA told me whatever I demanded, they are not going to do it. They are not ready to do it.”
As word spread that Okello was unattached, the news quickly reached Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, who wasted no time making his move.
“This news reached out to Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, and he knew I was free. He called me and scheduled a meeting and told me we couldn’t talk everything on phone,” Okello said.
Their in-person meeting at Kitende proved decisive. According to Okello, Dr. Mulindwa’s empathy and generosity immediately stood out.
“When we met, the president told me he knew I was going through a lot so he asked me to say all I want,” Okello recalled, adding with a smile that, “the FUFA Honorary President surely knows how to convince a player.”
The conversation quickly turned into action as Mulindwa promised to handle his medical needs right away.
“Before asking anything from him, I asked him I wanted to be treated, and before we even agreed on anything, he told me tomorrow, you are going for a scan. Then I also told him I have my young sister doing Form Four and I have all the responsibilities, and so I asked if he would allow her to join St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. He said it is okay,” he added.
Despite not yet negotiating his signing bonus or salary, Okello says Mulindwa’s readiness to meet all his requests made his decision effortless.
“So tomorrow comes, we sign a contract. We had issues with sign on fees and salary, but he agreed to my demands as well. In short, I got all I wanted. So, for all that, I can and will never disrespect Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for whatever he has done for me,” Okello concluded.
Since joining Vipers, Okello has become an instrumental figure in their success, helping the club clinch both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, while also aiming to lead them deep into the CAF Champions League.
