Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

Nikita Pearl Waligwa death: Queen of Katwe child star dies, aged 15

Child star Nikita Pearl Waligwa has died. aged 15.

According to Ugandan media, the actor – who appeared in Disney film Queen of Katwe, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016.

She is said to have made a recovery a year later after receiving treatment in India, but the tumour returned in 2019.

Queen of Katwe is based on the story of real-life chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, who began playing the game at the age of nine and went on to compete internationally.

In the film, which stars Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo, Waligwa played Phiona's friend Gloria, who was portrayed by Madina Nalwanga.

Gloria's big moment comes when she helps her friend out with advice, telling her: "The small one can become the big one."

Gayaza High School, where Waligwa received education, wrote on Twitter: "No words can explain the pain at the moment."

Nikita Pearl Waligwa in 'Queen of Katwe' (Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture)

They called her "a darling to many".

Queen of Katwe, directed by Mira Nair, was shot in the slum in Kampala, which is the capital of Uganda.  

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.