Ugandan actress, Nikita Pearl Waligwa has passed away at the age of 15 on Saturday, February 15, following a battle with cancer.
She died at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala from a brain tumour that was reportedly found last year.
The young actress is well known for a role in 2016 Disney biographical drama, Queen of Katwe, based on celebrated Ugandan chess player Phiona Mutesi. Waligwu played the role of Gloria, a close friend of the lead character, Phiona.
The well-recieved movie also starred Hollywood darlings Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo who acted as Phiona’s chess coach.
According to Ugandan media, Waligwa will be laid to rest later today, February 17, in Kabojja, Wakiso District, Uganda,
She was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016. After receiving treatment and undergoing a review in India, she was declared tumour-free in 2017.