Sports 6 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Cissy Nantongo: A Silent Battle Against Cancer and a Legacy in Ugandan Football
Ugandan women's football is mourning the loss of combative midfielder Cissy Nantongo, who succumbed to breast cancer after a year-long, private battle. Her death has sent shockwaves across the league, with teammates and rivals remembering her passion, leadership, and resilience. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/quiet-nantongo-battled-through-a-silent-end-5486918
The Ugandan women’s football fraternity is in mourning following the death of Cissy Nantongo, a formidable midfielder known for her combative style and impactful presence on the pitch. Nantongo passed away on Wednesday night after a year-long struggle with breast cancer, a fight she kept largely private.
She Corporate chairman Richard Kaweere revealed that Nantongo wished to keep her illness out of the public eye. Despite her condition, she made occasional appearances on the team’s match sheets as a substitute, demonstrating her dedication even as her health declined. Her illness first surfaced significantly during the 2024/25 season, impacting She Corporate’s lineup.
Nantongo’s journey in football was marked by resilience. She was part of an iconic moment in the 2022/23 season when she and Kampala Queens captain Shamirah Nalugya shared a symbolic gesture, fixing each other’s armbands amidst intense competition. This act highlighted a profound sense of sportsmanship that transcended the game.
Her club described her condition as a difficult battle. Kaweere noted that after initial treatment and recovery, she experienced paralysis, leading to her final days at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Nantongo was briefly involved in matchday squads in March, but her condition worsened, and she was re-admitted. Her club officials made efforts to shield her from the season’s outcome, ensuring she was unaware of the final standings.
Nantongo’s legacy extends beyond her playing career. Friends called her ‘Kajozi,’ and off the pitch, she was cherished for her endearing personality and warm smile. On the field, her actions spoke volumes, demonstrating leadership and an unwavering commitment to her team. Her journey included leading Mukono High School to a USSSA title, winning the inaugural FUFA Women Cup with Olila High School, and inspiring She Corporate to the FUFA Women Super League title in 2022. Even after She Corporate’s relegation, she captained them to the Elite League title and FUFA Women Cup in the 2023/24 season, later having a brief stint in Nepal and establishing her CN18 brand.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, opponents, and fans, celebrating her fighting spirit, leadership, and the ease with which she made the game look. Her passion and drive have left an indelible mark on Ugandan women’s football.
The Daily Monitor reported on Cissy Nantongo’s passing and her courageous fight against cancer.