Tributes pour in for fallen "Queen of Katwe" star

Feb 17, 2020

Death has robbed us! Nikita Pearl Waligwa was not only a star, but she was also an inspiration to every young girl.

The year 2016 was not ordinary for the Ugandan film industry as one of the best stories were told and henceforth garnered global attention.

This story was the one of the Queen of Katwe. A massive Disney production featuring big names such as Lupita Nyongo and David Oyelowo revolves around Phiona Mutesi's life that changes after she meets Robert Katende, her chess teacher.

Under Katende's guidance, Phiona becomes a top player and sees an opportunity to escape from a life of poverty. The movie racked up a total of $10.4m at the Box Office.

At centre stage was Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who acted the role of Gloria, a friend to Phiona teaching her the rules of the game of chess in the movie.

Unfortunately, Pearl would later be diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016. After making a recovery a year later, she was found with another tumor. She has been in and out of hospital battling the deadly cancer till she lost the battle on Sunday aged 15.

The talented actress was attending Gayaza High School at the time of her death. News of her passing was first announced by the school through their social media platforms. This has prompted several tributes from around the world.

Ranging from Lupita Nyongo to David Oyelowo, Bobi Wine and many more influencial figures.

Lupita Nyongo (Actress)

View this post on Instagram

It is with great sadness that I post about the passing of Nikita Waligwa, the sweet, warm, talented girl whom I worked with on the film, Queen Of Katwe. She played Gloria with such vibrancy. In her real life she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and community as they come to terms with having to say goodbye so soon. May she truly rest in piece. May it be well with her soul.

A post shared by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Feb 16, 2020 at 3:44pm PST

David Oyelowo (Actor)

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We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa. She was a ball of light in @queenofkatwemovie and in life. Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness. Her light will live on. 💔#rip

A post shared by David O (@davidoyelowo) on Feb 16, 2020 at 10:19am PST

Priscila Anyabu (Actress - Love Island)

Our Condolences goes out to the families of Nikita Pearl Waligwa.A young,Ugandan 🇺🇬 shining Star who melted our hearts in her role as Gloria in the Disney Film, Queen of Katwe. She passed away from Brain Cancer at age 15 💔. Rest In Peace Nikita🕊 #QueenOfKatwe 🇺🇬 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uhO5NUjatt

— Priscilla Anyabu (@Cillapurple) February 16, 2020

Bobi Wine (Musician & Politician)

Deeply saddened by the death of 15 year old Nikita Pearl Waligwa,who starred as 'Gloria', in Disney's Queen of Katwe. What a loss to Uganda's art industry and the nation at large. Rest in peace little one. pic.twitter.com/NZi0r7Gwkk

— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) February 17, 2020

Eddy Kenzo (Musician)

Rest in peace Little star ❤🙏 pic.twitter.com/aO8JVjPjsT

— Eddy Kenzo (@eddykenzoficial) February 17, 2020

Lucky Mbabazi

15 year old Nikita Pearl Waligwa,who starred as 'Gloria', in a Disney's movie, Queen of Katwe, is dead. Nikita succumbed to brain cancer on Saturday. Rest in peace little one. pic.twitter.com/WTjhicg4pz

— Lucky Mbabazi (@LuckyMbabazi) February 16, 2020

Amrita Bhinder (Lawyer)

amritabhinder

Uganda's Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa dies aged 15

Nikita was diagnosed with brain tumour

2016 film was based on true story of Phiona Mutesi,who took up chess aged 9 despite not being in school, went on to compete in international tournaments https://t.co/OlvPvIO8iK

— Amrita Bhinder (@amritabhinder) February 16, 2020