Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo Write Touching Tributes to Nakita Waligwa

Nakita Waligma’s untimely death at age 15 on February 16 leaves many fans saddened around the world. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, Nakita made a brief recovery after she received treatment in India. But another tumor returned in 2019, ultimately leading to her death.

Nakita co-starred in the film “Queen of Katwe” as “Gloria” with Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. Inspired by a true story, “Queen of Katwe” chronicled the life of Phlona Mutesi, who transcended the slums of Uganda to become a chess prodigy competing in international tournaments. Nakita herself was also from Uganda, where she was in her senior year at Gayaza High School at the time of her passing.

Nyong’o posted on Instagram that Nakita was a “sweet, warm, talented girl” who played Gloria “with such vibrancy.” She went on to say that in her short life, Nakita “had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer.”

Oyelowo also posted a tribute on Instagram, in which he said that Nakita “was a ball of light,” not only in the film but also in life, and “her light will live on.” Echoing the sentiments of others who knew Nakita, Oyelowo noted that “her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness.”