Ugandans send off Nikita

By Alex Keith Gahima

OBITUARY   

KAMPALA - Hundreds of mourners turned up at Francis Waligwa's home the father of Nikita Pearl Namata Waligwa in Kabojja village, Busiro Parish in Kyengera municipality in Wakiso districts to pay their last respects to the fallen young star.

The mourners braved the fierce sunshine and were not deterred with many taking cover under the few trees they could find as they listened attentively to the great exploits of the young star.

 
The young Ugandan actress, who debuted in 2016 Queen of Katwe Disney film about a chess champion, died of a brain tumour while she was admitted at TMR international Hospital in Kampala. She was only 15 years old.

Mourners quietly sobbed after Nikita's elder brother and only surviving sibling Jerry Waligwa called in from Austin, Texas in the United States to relay his condolence message.

He pointed out that Nikita, though younger than him was a great inspiration and she had managed to live above and beyond the family's expectations. He thanked his parents for giving Nikita a beautiful home and always encouraging her to follow her dreams.

 
Racheal Asiimwe Waligwa, mother to Nikita said her daughter was not alone when she died.

"Niki was already on oxygen but it was having no effect so I lay next to her and a prayerful lady from the next room came and prayed for us. She slipped away with no struggle." Mrs Waligwa said

She explained that after the brain tumour recurring four-time and three surgeries, her sweet daughter was tired and the fight she had always had in her had faded into lots of pain and fear.

 
Executive Director KCCA Andrew Kitaka said Nikita's death came as a shock and is a big loss to the family and to the Country.

He encouraged all parents to nurture talent in young children especially if the country is to benefit.

Headteacher of Gayaza High School and Aunt to Nikita Sr. Robinah Katongole described her niece as a delightful girl who loved to study and was involved in sports.

 
"Nikita always loved to swim but because of the brain tumour, it was no longer an option for her so she took up fencing a new sport and she inspired many other girls to pick it up," Katongole revealed.

Sr. Katongole said the class of senior 3 A at Gayaza is going to miss her deeply but many have been encouraged to believe in their ability and live a meaningful life as Niki did.

 

Attempts to get a comment from lead actress Madina Nalwanga, who donned a black dress and black shades declined to speak to media adding that she wanted to mourn in private.

Nikita was born on 6th July 2004. She completed Primary 7 from Kampala Junior Academy. She auditioned and acted in Disney film Queen of Katwe in 2015.

She joined Gayaza High School in 2018. By the time of her passing on, she was in Senior 3.