Yes it is true, Matooke Republic is not in the business of publishing rumours. Kenyan Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is in town.
Like we broke the story, the star actress is here to act in the Disney movie Queen of Katwe that is based on the story of chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi.
While Hollywood was abuzz with her 2015 Oscar dress being stolen and thieves later returning it because the pearls were fake, Lupita was on her way to Kampala to begin preps for her role in the Queen of Katwe movie that will be shot beginning in early April.
We had reported that shooting would begin on 25th March, but our sources say there have been a few delays and shooting will now commence on 8th April.
Lupita was spotted by Matooke Republic at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday and staff at the hotel confirmed that she is a resident there.
“There was a lot of excitement when she had just checked in, but staff have recollected themselves to make her stay comfortable,” our source told us.
The Queen of Katwe movie will be directed by Mira Nair, a wife to Makerere don Prof. Mahmood Mamdani. The acclaimed director lives between Hollywood and her Munyonyo home and it is little wonder the cast and crew will stay at Speke Resort for easier coordination as Nair has chosen to stay home.
Lupita will act Mutesi’s mother in the movie. Meanwhile David Oyelowo who took the lead role of Martin Luther King in the Selma movie that is still showing at Cinemas will act Mutesi’s coach Dick Katende. Our sources say he arrives next week.
Many Ugandan actors have scored roles in the movie and we shall keep you posted.