Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who starred in the 2016 Disney film Queen Of Katwe, passed away on Saturday in Kampala after “battling with brain cancer”. The film was greatly received by critics.

Her co-stars, who include Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, have been paying tribute to the young actress.

Nyong’o spoke of how “sweet, warm (and) talented” Waligwa had been whilst they worked together. Waligwa played the role of Gloria Nansubuga, a young Ugandan chess star.

The real Gloria Nansubuga told the BBC that she “couldn’t bear to hear that someone who acted as me in a film had died. I loved her from my heart… She wanted to learn how to play chess…but she was always in hospital. She was so caring even though she was so young.”

Waligwa had received surgery in India and unfortunately remained in and out of hospital. Her school posted a farewell message to their twitter account describing her as a “darling”.

David Oyelowo also shared a tribute on Instagram stating “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 tumour was humbling to witness. Her light will live on. 💔#rip“.

Rest Easy, Nikita Pearl Waligwa.