Queen of Katwe Actress ‘Gloria’ Dies at 15

Ugandan actress, Nikita Pearl Waligwa, has died of brain tumour. The actress was a supporting act in the famous movie Queen of Katwe.

Nikita was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 but was given an all clear in 2017 but unfortunately, the tumour returned.

The 2016 film was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged nine despite not being in school and went on to compete in international tournaments. It starred Lupita Nyong’o as her mother and David Oyelowo as her chess teacher.

Waligwa played the role of Gloria, a friend of Phiona who explained the rules of chess to her.

When she was first diagnosed with the tumour, the Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly mobilised people to help fund her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors quoted saying they did not have the necessary equipment.