By Andrew Gum
In January 2026, Allan Okello completed a reported $300,000 move from Uganda’s Vipers SC to Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC (Yanga). Within just a few months, the Ugandan midfielder had established himself as one of the standout stars in the Tanzanian Premier League. One of his defining moments came on May 6, when Yanga faced KMC at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam, with Okello finding the net to put his side in front.
From Lira to Kitende
Okello was born and raised in Barr Subcounty in Uganda’s Lira district. After losing his mother in 2012, he moved to Kampala to attend Kibuli Secondary School. He turned professional at just 16, joining KCCA FC in January 2017, and made an explosive senior debut weeks later. A 7-0 rout of Onduparaka FC in which he scored a hat-trick, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the club’s history.
Move to Algeria
In January 2020, Allan Okello signed a four-year contract with Algerian Ligue 1 side Paradou AC. However, he struggled to establish himself in North Africa due to adaptation issues, injuries, and limited playing time, managing only 3 goals in 33 appearances over his spell. He was eventually loaned back to KCCA FC before his contract with Paradou was mutually terminated in September 2023
He then moved to Vipers SC in 2023 still carrying the injury doubt. In the 2024/25 season he was the Uganda Premier League’s top scorer with 19 goals from midfield, an unusual feat for a playmaker, and helped Vipers to a league and cup double.
Move to Tanzania
In January 2026, Young Africans SC (Yanga) paid a reported $300,000 to sign him and that became the second-most expensive sale in Vipers’ history. Joining mid-season usually requires an adjustment period, but the Ugandan playmaker integrated seamlessly into Yanga’s setup and completely took the league by surprise.
Operating high on the right and as a central playmaker, Okello transformed Yanga’s attack with remarkable efficiency. He produced an astonishing 14 goals and 11 assists in just 24 appearances. His prolific run included a sensational hat-trick that proved vital during the title run-in, making him the third-highest scorer in the entire league as Yanga won a record fifth consecutive league title.
In Tanzania, Allan Okello has quickly won over Yanga supporters, earning the affectionate nickname “Star Boy” from the club. His impressive performances have also strengthened his position within the Uganda Cranes setup under coach Paul Put, with the midfielder emerging as a trusted figure ahead of next year’s AFCON tournament on home soil.
The move has shown that Allan Okello’s talent can thrive beyond Uganda’s borders though he first failed at Paraduo AC in Algeria. His success is a significant boost for Ugandan football, demonstrating that the country’s top players can compete and excel on bigger regional stages. It also offers inspiration to the next generation of Cranes, showing them that the path to regional success is within reach especially as East Africa prepares to host major AFCON matches.
