Ugandan actress and dancer Esteri Tebandeke, who featured in the song Singa by Robert Kyagulanyi, has died following a prolonged illness.
Tebandeke was pronounced dead on Tuesday.
In a statement, Century Cinemax Uganda announced her passing, noting that she made significant contributions to Uganda’s film industry.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the talented actress, filmmaker, dancer, and storyteller Esteri Tebandeke. From her memorable role as Sarah Katende in the global hit Queen of Katwe (which had its powerful African premiere at Century Cinemax)…” the statement read.
Reports indicate that Tebandeke had been battling a kidney condition for several years. In 2022, she underwent a kidney transplant after her husband donated the organ. However, her body later rejected the kidney, and she was admitted to the high dependency unit at Nakasero Hospital, where she passed away.
Born in 1984, Tebandeke was widely recognised for her role as a vixen in Singa, where she portrayed a beautiful woman admired by a man willing to do anything to win her over. She also featured in Queen of Katwe as Sarah Katende.
Beyond acting, Tebandeke was a filmmaker and founder of the Binti Film Festival, which held its first successful edition last year and had ambitious plans for this year.
