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From inspiring performances at the Africa School Games to the Islamic Games and Africa Youth Games, we have celebrated many triumphs together. This year, we remain committed to:
— NOC UGANDA | CGA UGANDA (@Official_UOC) January 13, 2026
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2️⃣ Continuing our strategic plan with a midterm review
3️⃣ Keeping our… pic.twitter.com/CjBs1gr34t
Micheal Wokorach draws the curtain on the glorious rugby careeer.
Ugandan rugby stalwart Michael “Gonya” Wokorach officially called time on an illustrious playing career that spanned nearly two decades, leaving behind a legacy built on excellence, leadership and unwavering service to club and country.
“Michael Wokorach represents what I believe is a shining example of a true elite professional Ugandan athlete,” said Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare.
“He is a consummate gentleman, pays attention to detail, and has scaled some of the highest heights in rugby. He has represented his club and his nation with pride and professionalism and is undoubtedly one of our elite athletes.”
Rukare added that Wokorach’s influence will endure beyond the pitch;
“As he transitions into retirement, I believe he will continue to be a shining example and mentor for young athletes, especially rugby players who look up to him as a role model. We thank him for his service to his club and country and wish him all the best in the next chapter.”
Gonya’s Last Run
Wokorach’s career came to a fitting close on Saturday, December 20, 2025, during a testimonial match dubbed “Gonya’s Last Run” at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds. Played before an appreciative rugby fraternity of teammates, sportsmen, family, friends and fans, the match saw Team Gonya edge the Uganda All-Stars 22–16 in a celebratory farewell.
A Career Forged in Black, Yellow and Red
Wokorach began his rugby journey in 2007 with Buffaloes RFC before making a move that would define his career — joining Platinum Credit Heathens RFC, the club he would represent for 18 years.
A two-term Athletes’ Commission member and a revered leader, Wokorach captained Heathens for approximately 13 years, guiding the club through one of its most dominant eras. His club honours include:
· 11 Uganda Rugby 15s League titles
· 7 Uganda Rugby Cup victories
· 6 Uganda Sevens Series titles
At the continental level, he was part of Uganda’s triumph at the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Championship, lifting the Bowl on home soil in 2022, a moment he counts among his most treasured achievements.
Service to the Nation
Wokorach earned over 50 combined caps for Uganda across both 15s and 7s, captaining the national team in both formats. His international résumé includes appearances at:
· Commonwealth Games — New Delhi 2010, Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022
· Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments
· Multiple Elgon Cup campaigns against Kenya
Among his proudest national moments are winning the Elgon Cup in 2013 and 2015, and Uganda’s memorable Bowl victory at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.
“International trophies mean the most to me,” Wokorach reflected. “They are respected worldwide and winning the bowl at the 2022 World Cup was very special.”
The Emotions of Retirement
Calling time on his career was not easy. “It’s a sad moment for me. Rugby has been my life,” Wokorach admitted. “I’ve been playing rugby for half of my life and I’m really going to miss representing my country and my team.”
Though he nearly retired in 2023, Wokorach felt he still had more to give. However, years of physical toll eventually made the decision unavoidable.
“My body has been weary for some time. Rugby takes a lot out of you. I thank God for bringing me this far and allowing me to finish at the right time.”
Defining Moments and Toughest Battles
Asked about matches that still give him goosebumps, Wokorach pointed to Uganda’s clash with Fiji at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. “Facing Fiji in sevens is always intimidating. That match showed us the level required at the very top.”
He describes 2022 as the year that best summed up his career — winning the Africa Cup in Kampala, competing strongly at the Commonwealth Games, narrowly missing out against Australia, and finishing the year by lifting the Bowl at the World Cup Sevens.
His favourite rugby trip remains Namibia 2009, while his worst came in Monaco, where a COVID outbreak forced the team into a 14-day quarantine and prevented them from playing the tournament.
Heathens: More Than a Club
“Heathens has been my family,” Wokorach said. “I played there for 18 years. Captaining them for 13 years is something I’ll never take for granted.”
He reflected on the evolution of club rugby from a physically dominated game to a more skill-driven and conditioned sport and praised the unity within the Heathens setup.
“We believed in each other, motivated one another and ensured everyone’s well-being. I’ll miss them deeply.”
Influences, Rivals and Mentors
Wokorach credits several figures for shaping his journey, including Mathias Ochoa, the late Robert Seguia, Brian Odom, Timothy Mudola, Philip Wokorach, and coaches Mark Olwenyi, Tolbert Onyango, Brian Tabaruka and Theo Mohamed.
Among his toughest opponents were sevens giants New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa, while regionally he cited Namibia and Kenya. Locally, battles with Oscar Kalyango and Justin Chimon stand out as some of the fiercest of his career.
Life Lessons from Rugby
“Rugby taught me discipline, respect, leadership and determination,” he said. “It shaped me into the person I am today.”
Despite serious injuries — including a broken jaw in 2016 and a near ACL tear in 2025 — Wokorach’s resilience kept him going.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
Wokorach paid tribute to the fans who lifted him throughout his career, and to his mother, family and friends who supported him emotionally, mentally and financially over more than 20 years.
Looking ahead, he admits stepping away will be difficult. “I’ve slept rugby, dreamt rugby and eaten rugby. Watching from the sidelines will be challenging, but I’ve made peace with it.”
For now, his focus is recovery, self-care, professional work and reconnecting with life beyond rugby. But a return to the sport is inevitable.
“One day, I want to come back and serve rugby administratively, in whatever capacity I can, and help keep the game growing.”
A Message to the Next Generation
“I want to be remembered as a fearless leader who carried his club and country forward,” Wokorach said. “To young players — follow your dream, work hard, respect the sport, respect your coaches and teammates, and give it everything you’ve got.”
Michael Wokorach may have hung up his boots, but his imprint on Ugandan rugby will endure for generations.
