Nikita Pearl Waligwa Passed Away!

Child actress Nikita Waligwa passed away of a brain tumor.

An actress who starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a chess prodigy from an Uganda slum has died at the age of 15.

Nikita Pearl Waligwa had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

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 started 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.

She was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 and Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly mobilized people to help fund her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors quoted as saying they did not have the necessary equipment.

She was given the all-clear in 2017 but last year was found to have another tumor.

The movie was adapted from an ESPN magazine article and book by Tim Crothers, the film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and ESPN Films. Queen of Katwe was screened at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. The film had a limited release in the United States and a general release soon after.