Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan women’s football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former She Corporate FC captain Cissy Nantongo.
Nantongo reportedly passed away on Wednesday evening while receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she had been battling cancer.
She Corporate FC confirmed the sad news in an emotional statement, paying tribute to a player whose leadership and commitment left a lasting impact on the club.
“With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of our beloved player, Cissy Nantongo. Your strength, passion, and spirit will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Kajoozi,” the club said in a statement.
Decorated Football Career
Nantongo was widely respected within Uganda’s women’s football circles and enjoyed a successful playing career that spanned school football and the domestic women’s leagues.
One of the highlights of her career came during the 2021/22 FUFA Women Super League season when she played a key role in helping She Corporate FC win the league title.
She later captained the club to the 2024 FUFA Women Elite League championship, guiding the Jinja-based side back to the top tier of Ugandan women’s football.
The same year, she was instrumental in She Corporate’s successful campaign in the FUFA Women’s Cup, adding another trophy to an already impressive football résumé.
Before making her mark at club level, Nantongo established herself as one of the country’s promising young footballers through school competitions.
She featured for Olila High School WFC, which won the inaugural FUFA Women’s Cup in 2017.
Earlier in her football career, she was part of the football team at Kakungulu Memorial School, Kibuli, where she played alongside notable players including Vanessa Karungi, Shamirah Nalugya, and Jauharah Nabaggala.
The group later formed a formidable Mukono High School side that went on to win the 2017 USSSA Girls Football Championship, with Nantongo serving as team captain.
Tributes Pour In
News of Nantongo’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief from teammates, coaches, football administrators and fans, many of whom remembered her as a determined leader and role model for aspiring female footballers.
Her death is a significant loss to Uganda’s women’s football fraternity, where she earned admiration for her leadership, discipline and dedication to the game.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family and football authorities.
Ugandan football joins family, friends and teammates in mourning a player whose contribution to the growth of women’s football will be remembered for years to come.
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