Disney star Nikita Pearl Waligwa dead aged 15 – Queen of Katwe actress dies after brain tumor, say reports
Ugandan media reports the young actress, who appeared in Queen of Katwe, passed away after battling a brain tumor.
She starred in the 2016 Disney film about a chess prodigy, Phiona Mutesi, from a Ugandan slum.
The young actress played the part of Gloria, a pal of Mutesi, as they grew up in Katwe – the largest of Kampala’s slums.
The film is based on the true story of a young girl who took up chess aged nine and went on to compete internationally.
Lupita Nyong’o took on the role of Mutesi’s mum, and David Oyelowo played her chess teacher.
Nikita was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, and the director of the Disney film reportedly funded treatment for her in India.
She had surgery and underwent radiotherapy to treat the tumor.
The young actress was given the all-clear in 2017, but tragically found to have another tumor last year.
A family member said she was in a lot of pain, they added: “The brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure.”
Ugandan media reports she tragically died on Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
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