Disney’s Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa has died aged 15 , according to Ugandan media.
Nikita Pearl had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She played the role of Gloria in the hit film about a chess prodigy who hailed from a Ugandan slum.
First diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and then given the all clear 12 months later, the actress’ family were devastated when another tumour was detected.
Ugandan media reports she died on Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
A family member said Gloria was living a lot of pain.
“The brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure,” they told local media.”
After Nikita was first diagnosed Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair wenbt public to help get funding for her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors saying they did not have the necessary equipment.
At the time of her death she was a student of Gayaza High School.
