The Ugandan football fraternity is mourning the death of former She Corporate FC captain Cissy Nantongo, whose passing was announced on Wednesday.
Nantongo, popularly known as “Kajoozi,” was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ugandan women’s football, celebrated for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to the game.
Reports indicate that she died from cancer at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she had been admitted for several weeks. She had reportedly been battling the illness for some time, which also kept her sidelined for the previous season.
Nantongo will be laid to rest at her ancestral home in Mpigi District on Friday, according to a tentative funeral program shared by among the football fraternity.
In a statement, She Corporate described her death as a devastating loss to the club and the wider football community.
“With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of our beloved player Nantongo. Your strength, passion and spirit will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Kajoozi,” the club posted.
Tributes quickly poured in from teammates, opponents, and fellow footballers following news of her death.
Crested Cranes and Kampala Queens player Catherine Nangadya reflected on their shared football journey.
“It hurts knowing I will never get the chance to meet you on the field again. We shared the same passion and dreams through football, but your journey ended too soon,” she wrote.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies also extended condolences, describing her passing as a huge loss to women’s football and sending “deepest and most sincere condolences” to her family, friends, and the She Corporate fraternity.
Kampala Queens described Nantongo as not only a footballer but also a leader whose influence extended beyond the pitch.
“Kampala Queens FC is deeply saddened by the passing of Cissy Nantongo, a gifted footballer, former captain of She Corporate and a true leader,” the club said.
She Maroons added that her legacy would endure beyond her playing career.
“Her passion and spirit on the pitch will never be forgotten,” the club noted.
Olila High School Women, where Nantongo previously played, also paid tribute, recalling her role in their early success.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former player, Cissy Nantongo. Cissy was part of the squad that won the inaugural Fufa Women’s Cup,” the club posted.
One of the most emotional tributes came from Crested Cranes midfielder Shamirah Nalugya.
“Nantongo, you fought the battle but from Allah we come and to Him we return,” she wrote.
Nantongo, who died at the age of 26, leaves behind a decorated football career in which she played a central role in She Corporate FC’s rise in Ugandan women’s football.
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.
She later captained She Corporate to the Fufa Women Elite League title in 2024, guiding the club back to the top flight, and also lifted the Fufa Women’s Cup in the same year, cementing her status as one of the club’s most respected leaders.
As tributes continue to pour in, Nantongo is being remembered not only for her achievements on the pitch but also for her leadership, humility, and passion for the game.
Tributes
Sports journalist Joel Muyita recalled meeting her during her school football days and tracing her rise through different institutions.
“I first met Cissy Nantongo in 2015 when she was at Kakungulu Memorial School in Kibuli. That team had her, Vanessa Karungi, Shamirah Nalugya, Jauharah Nabaggala among others,” he wrote.
He noted that the group would later go on to dominate school football competitions.
“The following year, Karungi, Nalugya and others moved to Mukono High School and went on to win the USSSA Girls Football title in 2017 in Kabale, with Nantongo as captain.”
Muyita also recalled her contribution at club level.
“In the same season, Nantongo and Karungi joined Olila High School from She Corporate on loan and helped the Soroti-based side win the inaugural Fufa Women’s Cup.”
Next Media photojournalist Francis Isano also paid tribute.
“I finished A-Level with Cissy in 2016 at Mukono High School. She was always an awesome soul and ever smiling,” he said.
As condolences continue to pour in, Nantongo is being remembered as one of the bright talents and leaders who shaped the growth of women’s football in Uganda.