Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum, has died aged 15, according to a Ugandan media report.
The actress had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She died at TMR International Hospital in Naalya, in the suburbs of Kampala, on Saturday 15 February.
Nikita was awaiting another surgery to remove a reoccurring cancerous tumour.
The young star died at TMR International Hospital in Naalya, aged 15
In 2016, she was first diagnosed with a brain tumour, and Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly helped fund her treatment in India.
However, it was later reported Ugandan doctors were quoted saying “they did not have the necessary equipment”.
Shortly after her surgery in April 2016, Nikita was diagnosed with cancer and she underwent radiotherapy in July 2016.
She was given the all-clear in 2017 but last year was found to have another tumour.
Nikita Pearl Waligwa played Gloria in Queen of Katwe – a Disney film about a chess prodigy (Image: Disney)
Nikita appeared in the 2016 film, Queen of Katwe, which also starred David Oyelowo, Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o, and Madina Nalwanga.
The movie follows the life of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl living in a slum in Katwe, who learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her victories at World Chess Olympiads.
Nikita played the role of Gloria, a friend of Phiona, who explained the rules of chess to her.
Nikita was a senior three student at Gayaza High School (Image: Disney)
Nikita is best remembered for her quote in the movie: “In chess, the small once can become the big one.”
At the time of her death, she was a senior three student at Gayaza High School.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
