Uganda Mourns "Queen of Katwe" Star Esteri Tebandeke Following Brave Health Battle
The Ugandan creative community is mourning the loss of a true visionary. Filmmaker, actress, and visual artist Esteri Tebandeke has passed away at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy defined by artistic brilliance and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.
Known to international audiences for her role in the acclaimed film Queen of Katwe and to music fans for her appearance in Bobi Wine’s hit "Singa," Tebandeke was a multifaceted talent. Beyond her work in front of the camera, she was a dedicated advocate for the industry. In 2023, she founded the Binti Film Festival, a pioneering platform designed to amplify the voices of women in cinema and foster inclusivity within the Ugandan film space.
Tebandeke’s passing follows a courageous and private decade-long battle with chronic kidney disease, a condition she was diagnosed with in 2015. Despite the physical toll of her illness, she remained remarkably active in the creative scene, contributing to numerous projects while quietly managing her health. At one point, she reached out to the public for support, revealing the need for a kidney transplant and the significant financial burden of her ongoing treatment.
Colleagues and friends remember her as a resilient storyteller who remained grounded in faith and hope until the very end. Her husband, Samuel, and her family survive her, as does a body of work that pushed the boundaries of Ugandan art. Her death leaves a profound void in an industry she worked so tirelessly to elevate, but her influence will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of filmmakers and artists.
Leave A Comment