Latest News

Uganda’s Queen of Katwe star, Nikita Pearl Waligwa, dies at 15

Published by

An actress who starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum, has died aged 15, Ugandan media report.

Nikita Pearl Waligwa had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

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.

ALSO READ: Yemen’s airstrikes kill 31 civilians after Saudi jet crash

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.

She was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly mobilised 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 tumour.

(BBC)

Recent Posts

FG to sign over 30 MoUs as Nigeria-Brazil dialogue begins Monday

"Brazil's expertise in digital inclusion and Nigeria's dynamic fintech ecosystem offer powerful synergies for scalable…

18 minutes ago

FG urged to include private institutions in TETFund research grants

Government should Prioritise consistent investment in scientific research, especially in Physical Chemistry, which is vital…

23 minutes ago

Edo community kicks against selection of monarch

The protesters said the selection of Sado was in violation of the Declaration of the…

26 minutes ago

Abandoned projects: Diri proposes third term for governors

"They should thinker with the constitution and consider giving governors third term in office. With…

36 minutes ago

How volatile forex rates affect Oyo’s debt servicing, govt house overhauling cost — Makinde

He expressed concern over the state's helplessness in the face of foreign exchange fluctuations, emphasising…

42 minutes ago

Benue killings: Taraba CAN demands decisive action against killers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu,…

50 minutes ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.