Dembe trades Scandinavia for Central Europe as Sigma Olomouc seal deal for Ugandan forward

Ugandan striker John Paul Dembe has taken the next bold step in his European journey after sealing a move to Czech topflight side Sigma Olomouc from Swedish heavyweights BK Häcken in a deal whose financial details remain undisclosed.

The transfer brings to an end Dembe’s two-and-a-half-year stay in Sweden, a period that proved crucial in shaping his game after his switch from KCCA FC.

During his time at Häcken, the lanky forward steadily grew in stature, featuring 55 times across all competitions, finding the net 12 times and adding an assist to his tally.

Last season alone, he managed four goals in 24 league appearances.

Unveiled by his new club, Dembe could not hide his excitement about the fresh challenge. “I’m happy to be here and that I’m already a Sigma player. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and joining the training. I’m excited that a club with such ambitions as Sigma has reached out to me. It’s another important step in my career,” he said. He added: “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.”

From Lugogo to the world

John Paul Dembe ladies and gentlemen #CKSports pic.twitter.com/frs8ipIKDe

— #AFCONWithClive | 🇺🇬🎙️ (@CliveKyazze) July 7, 2025

The striker has already linked up with his new teammates at Sigma Olomouc’s training camp in Marbella, Spain, where the club is fine-tuning preparations for the second half of the season.

Sigma Olomouc come into the new phase of the campaign with confidence after lifting the Czech Cup last season and are also balancing domestic duties with European football.

They are set for a UEFA Conference League knockout playoff clash against Swiss outfit FC Lausanne Sport next month.

Dembe’s arrival also increases the Ugandan footprint in the Czech Chance League, where he becomes the second Ugandan player after left-back Aziz Kayondo, who turns out for Slovan Liberec.

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