Disney ‘Queen of Katwe’ Star Nikita Pearl Waligwa Dead At 15

UGANDA. (THECOUNT) — Nikita Pearl Waligwa, the young actress, who starred in Disney feature film, “Queen of Katwe,” has passed away, according to multiple reports. She was 15.

Ugandan media reports Waligwa had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Waligwa was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, and her Queen of Katwe family, including director Mira Nair, reportedly mobilized to get her treatment in India. She made a recovery in 2017, but the tumor reportedly returned last year, reports ETonline.

The actress played Gloria in Queen of Katwe, which told the true story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a chess prodigy rising from a Ugandan slum, going on to compete in international tournaments. Gloria was a friend of Phiona’s, who explained the rules of chess to her. Lupita Nyong’o also starred in the 2016 Disney movie as Phiona’s mother, while David Oyelowo starred as her chess teacher.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos – wikipedia.