Nikita Pearl Waligwa, star of the 2016 Disney movie, queen of Katwe has sadly passed away at just 15-years-old, according to multiple reports.
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The Ugandan child star had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, resulting in her Disney family coming together to raise funds for treatment in India.
Despite going into remission in 2017, the tumour is reported to have returned last year.
Nikita’s high school took to Twitter to pay an emotional tribute to the young actress.
“Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa,” the Gayaza High School wrote. “You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear.”
Nikita played the role of Gloria in the 2016 Disney movie also starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo.
The film was inspired by the true story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), which followed the chess prodigy, who rose from the Ugandan slum and went on to compete in international tournaments.
Nikita played Phiona’s friend, who explained the rules of chess to her.
“We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa. She was a ball of light in @queenofkatwemovie and in life. Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness,” David wrote on Twitter shortly after the news of her death broke.
“It is with great sadness that I post about the passing of Nikita Waligwa, the sweet, warm, talented girl whom I worked with on the film, Queen Of Katwe. She played Gloria with such vibrancy,” Lupita wrote.
“In her real life she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and community as they come to terms with having to say goodbye so soon. May she truly rest in piece [sic]. May it be well with her soul.”
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