Nikita Pearls Waligwa Wiki – Biography
Nikita Pearl Waligwa has died aged 15, according to Ugandan media. The young actress had been suffering from a brain tumour before she lost her battle on February 15. Ugandan media reports she died on Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
Nikita Pearls Waligwa Age
She was 15 years old.
Family
A family member has since admitted that Nikita had been living in a lot of pain before losing her battle. “The brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure,” they told local media.”
Career
Nikita Pearl had found fame for her role in the 2016 Disney film.
The young actress had played the role of Gloria in the hit film about a chess prodigy who hailed from a Ugandan slum.
Based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, the movie stars award winning Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o and British actor David Oyelowo.
The hopeful biographical drama opened at the Toroto International Film Festival before going on to be screened in 1,242 theatres over it’s opening weekend.
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The film received rave reviews and did well with movie critics. The inspiring movie, however, didn’t gross as highly as hoped in the international box office.
Death Cause
The young actress had been suffering from a brain tumour before she lost her battle on February 15.
Ugandan media reports she died on Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
First diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and then given the all clear 12 months later, the actress’ family were devastated when another tumour was detected.After Nikita’s first diagnosis, Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair went public to help get funding for her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors saying they did not have the necessary equipment.
Reports have suggested that the teen had been awaiting another surgery to remove the tumour when she passed away.
Tribute
She was reportedly a student at Gayaza High School at the time of her death.
Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa. You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear pic.twitter.com/ny8I9YAjsQ
— Gayaza High School (@gayazahigh) February 16, 2020
Since the news of her death was confirmed, social media has been flooded with messages of condolence for Nikita and her family.
Teachers at Gayaza High School wrote: “Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa. You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear.”
Another user said: “We woke up to the sad news of the passing of Queen of Katwe teen actress, Nikita Pearl Waligwa. It is such a low moment for the country to lose incredible young talent at a tender age. Our sincere condolences to Nikita’s family.”
“Its so sad to see a country lose such a talented spirit. A what was supposed to be the beginning of a new wave here in Uganda. Rest in Peace dear Nikita Pearl Waligwa. You’ve been a great inspiration to many Adolescents and Young People and your work shall prevail!” added a third.