Czech top-flight side Sigma Olomouc made a major statement in the transfer market, signing highly rated Ugandan forward John Paul Dembe from Swedish outfit BK Häcken for €1.5 million (around UGX 6 billion), beating Turkish side Rizespor.
The deal ranks among the largest ever paid for a young Ugandan attacker, highlighting Sigma’s confidence in Dembe’s talent and long-term potential.
Rizespor had also shown serious and strong interest in Dembe, but they were unable to match the €1.5 million fee offered by Sigma Olomouc.
A source close to the player exclusively confirmed the developments to Footy-Africa:
“I knew there was interest from Turkey, but I felt that Sigma offered the right project with the right valuation for John (Dembe). They are ambitious, and I can see him growing there, both as a player and a person. Rizespor were also ready to sanction a move but were only offering €1 million, €500,000 short of Sigma’s offer.”
The 20-year-old striker already joined his new teammates and is currently taking part in the club’s training camp in Spain ahead of the upcoming season. Dembe arrives in Olomouc eager to embrace a new challenge in Central Europe, after gaining valuable experience in Sweden and in European competitions.
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Born on July 3, 2005, in Kampala, Dembe began his football journey at KCCA FC before moving to BK Häcken in 2023. He also spent part of 2024 on loan at Swedish second-division side Oddevold.
During his time in Sweden, he was part of Häcken’s Swedish Cup-winning squad in the 2024/25 season and impressed in European competitions, scoring four goals across ten Europa League and Conference League qualifying and group-stage matches.
On the international stage, Dembe continues to shine, netting seven goals in seven appearances for Uganda’s U-20 team, cementing his reputation as one of East Africa’s brightest young attacking talents.
