Nikita Pearl Waligwa, 15, was first diagnosed with the tumour in 2016 but was told she was cancer-free a year later. The young actress starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum.
According to Ugandan reports, the young star died at a hospital in Naalya, Kampala, last night.
Nikita was awaiting another surgery to remove a reoccurring cancerous tumour.
According to The Sun, a family member said she was in a lot of pain, and added: “The brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure.”
It has also been claimed Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly helped fund her treatment in India.
Nikita starred in the Disney film Queen of Katwe alongside actress Lupita Nyongo as her mother and David Oyelowo as her chess teacher.
The 2016 film was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged nine despite not being in school and went on to compete in international tournaments.
Nikita is best remembered for her quote in the movie: “In chess, the small once can become the big one.”
At the time of her death, she was a senior three student at Gayaza High School.