Movie star Nikita Pearl Waligwa who played Gloria in ‘Queen of Katwe’ has died after battling with brain cancer for three years.
The 15-year-old played Gloria, a friend to the main character, Mutesi in the 2016 Disney film about that tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi who went from living in Uganda’s slums to becoming an international chess star.
Per the Sun’s reports, the young actress was diagnosed in 2016 and given all the clear in 2017 but doctors in India found a second aggressive tumour only two years later.
Nikita passed away on Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
Nikita was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, and the director of the Disney film reportedly funded treatment for her in India as Ugandan doctors reportedly did not have the necessary equipment.
She had surgery and underwent radiotherapy to treat the tumour.
The teen had allegedly been awaiting another surgery to remove the tumour when she passed away.
“The brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure.” a family member disclosed.
Tributes to the young star have been pouring in since her demise was announced.
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By: ghanaweekend.com
