Uganda Cranes Defender Rogers Torach Gives Back to Mayuge Community With Vipers Jerseys and Footballs

Rogers Torach has donated football jerseys and balls to people in his hometown of Mayuge in Jinja District as part of his continued efforts to give back to the community.

The Vipers SC defender and Uganda Cranes player organized the event alongside fellow Vipers players and other footballers to make the initiative a success.

Born in 2003 in Mayuge, Torach spent Eid Day in his hometown together with friends and footballers including Yunus Sentamu, Hillary Mukundane, Ashraf Mandela, Bashir Ssekajja, Joel Sserunjogi, Frank Katongole, Mutwalib Mugolofa, Marvin Youngman, and Derrick Ndahiro, among others.

During the celebrations, they played a friendly match against hometown side Buyemba FC before Torach and his friends handed over 100 Vipers jerseys and footballs to the community and the team respectively.

A single Vipers jersey costs UGX 50,000, meaning Torach spent over UGX 5 million on jerseys alone.

However, for Torach, giving back to the community is not about the amount of money spent, but the love and appreciation shown to the people.

“This is where my story began, and I will never forget that. Giving back to them is a pleasure for me, and I thank Allah that I am able to do it,” Torach said.

“It is something we learn from home and also from Vipers president Lawrence Mulindwa. I will continue doing this to ensure that the love for Vipers starts from our hometowns, while also motivating and inspiring others.”

“We are planning to make it even bigger next year together with fellow players and everyone who has been part of this initiative.”

Several Ugandan footballers, including Isima Watenga, Mustafa Kizza, Khalid Aucho, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe, have also been actively supporting their respective hometown communities over the years.

This marks the third consecutive year that Torach has carried out a community outreach initiative in Mayuge, and he says he is determined to continue doing so every year.

Torach, who turns 23 next month, captained the Uganda Hippos to a silver medal finish at the 2023 All Africa Games in Ghana.

He also captained the Uganda Cranes to their first-ever CHAN quarterfinal appearance last year, scoring the crucial goal in Uganda’s 3-3 draw against South Africa national football team that secured qualification to the historic stage.

The St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende graduate has established himself as one of the best defenders in the country and is aiming to be part of Uganda’s squad for the historic 2027 AFCON tournament.