Strikers Dembe, Mukwala secure fresh starts abroad

________________

Uganda’s young striker John Paul Dembe and senior forward Steven Desse Mukwala have completed new transfers to European and North African clubs, respectively, during the ongoing January transfer window.

Twenty-year-old Dembe has joined Czech top-flight side Sigma Olomouc from Swedish club BK Häcken. Sigma moved swiftly to secure the Ugandan forward and has already integrated him into the squad.

Dembe is currently with the club at their pre-season training camp in Spain as preparations begin for the new season.

“I am happy to be here and already a Sigma player. My goal is to work hard, continue to improve and help the team as best I can. I believe that together we will be successful,” Dembe said.

“It’s a pleasure that a club with such ambitions has reached out to me. It’s an important step in my career.”

Born on July 3, 2005, Dembe was developed at KCCA FC before moving to Sweden in 2023. During his time at Häcken, he gained valuable experience, including a short loan spell at Oddevold in 2024. He was part of the Häcken side that won the Swedish Cup in the 2024–25 season.

Dembe has also featured in European competition, playing in the Europa League and UEFA Conference League. He made 10 appearances across the two tournaments and scored four goals. At the international level, he has impressed for Uganda’s U20 team, scoring seven goals in seven matches.

Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes striker Steven Desse Mukwala has signed a two-year deal with Libyan side Al Nasser SC after leaving Tanzania’s Simba SC. The move offers Mukwala a fresh start following a mixed spell at Simba, where he struggled for regular playing time despite being regarded as a key player.

Mukwala, born on July 15, 1999, rose through Masaza Cup football with Singo Ssaza and the Edgars Youth Programme before featuring for Vipers SC, Maroons FC on loan, URA FC and KCCA FC. His strong performances earned him a move to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, where he enjoyed one of the most productive spells of his career.

At Simba SC, Mukwala scored important goals in domestic and continental competitions and was later nominated for the FUFA Best Foreign Based Player Award. He has been a regular member of the Uganda Cranes since making his senior debut in 2019, featuring in Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and World Cup qualifiers.

Al Nasser SC have brought Mukwala in to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season, with the Ugandan expected to play a key role in the club’s ambitions.

Other Ugandan players have also completed transfer moves during the window. Striker Mustapha Khassim has sealed a long-awaited move from Bright Stars to California Baptist University.

He will be joined at CBU by Haruna Lukwago from KCCA FC. Lukwago is a versatile, technically gifted right-footed player known for his energy and ability to operate in multiple positions, particularly on the right side. His intelligent runs, work rate and tactical awareness made him a valuable player in the Uganda Premier League.

Players such as Allan Oyirwoth, Pius Ssebulime, Steven Sserwadda and Ibrahim Kasule are already building careers within MLS systems and college football.

Elsewhere, South Sudan giants Jamus SC have continued their trust in Ugandan talent by signing right-back George Geriga Atendele on a two-year deal from NEC FC. Atendele becomes Jamus SC’s sixth signing from Uganda.

His career has progressed steadily through spells at Arua Hill SC, Onduparaka FC and Wakiso Giants FC before joining NEC FC, where he delivered consistent performances. At Jamus SC, he joins fellow Ugandans, including Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Ezra Bida, Richard Anyama, Rashid Anyama and Jude Ssemugabi.

In another move, Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Kassim Mato has signed a pre-contract to join Scottish club Heart of Midlothian on a three-year deal running until 2029.