The Ugandan football community is in mourning following the death of former She Corporate FC captain Cissy Nantongo, who passed away on Wednesday.
Nantongo, affectionately known as “Kajoozi,” was one of the most respected figures in Ugandan women’s football, admired for her leadership, discipline, and influence both on and off the pitch.
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She is reported to have died from cancer at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for several weeks. The former midfielder had been battling the illness for some time, a condition that also ruled her out of competitive action in the previous season.
She will be laid to rest on Friday at her ancestral home in Mpigi District, according to a tentative funeral programme shared within the football fraternity.
Her club, She Corporate FC, described her passing as a heartbreaking loss to the team and the wider football family.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved player Cissy Nantongo. Her strength, passion, and spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Kajoozi,” the club posted.
Outpouring of tributes
News of her death triggered an outpouring of grief from players, coaches, and clubs across the country.
Crested Cranes and Kampala Queens player Catherine Nangadya reflected on their shared journey, saying the football world had lost a teammate and friend.
“It hurts knowing I will never meet you on the field again. We shared the same passion and dreams, but your journey ended too soon,” she wrote.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC also extended condolences, calling her passing a major loss to women’s football and sending heartfelt sympathy to her family and the She Corporate fraternity.
Kampala Queens FC described Nantongo as more than a player, but a leader whose impact went beyond the pitch.
“She was a gifted footballer, former captain of She Corporate, and a true leader,” the club said.
She Maroons FC Women added that her legacy would live on, noting that “her passion and spirit on the pitch will never be forgotten.”
Her former side, Olila High School Women Football Team, also paid tribute, remembering her role in their early success, including the historic Fufa Women’s Cup triumph.
One of the most emotional messages came from Crested Cranes midfielder Shamirah Nalugya, who wrote:
“Nantongo, you fought the battle, but from Allah we come and to Him we return.”
A decorated career
Nantongo, who has died at the age of 26, leaves behind a distinguished football journey that saw her rise to become one of She Corporate FC’s most influential captains.
She was part of the squad that won the FUFA Women Super League title in the 2021/22 season and represented Uganda at the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in 2022.
In 2024, she captained She Corporate to the FUFA Women Elite League title, guiding the team back to the top flight, before also lifting the FUFA Women’s Cup the same year—cementing her status as one of the club’s most successful leaders.
Remembered beyond football
Tributes from teammates and journalists highlighted not only her talent but also her character.
Sports journalist Joel Muyita recalled first meeting her in 2015 at Kakungulu Memorial School in Kibuli, describing her as part of a talented generation that shaped school football.
He noted her leadership as captain of Mukono High School’s 2017 USSSA Girls Football championship-winning team, alongside several future national stars.
Next Media photojournalist Francis Isano also remembered her warmly, saying:
“I finished A-Level with Cissy in 2016 at Mukono High School. She was always an awesome soul and ever smiling.”
As messages of condolence continue to pour in, Nantongo is being remembered not only for her achievements, but also for her humility, leadership, and the lasting mark she left on the growth of women’s football in Uganda.
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