Sultana actress Winnie Bwire ‘Dida’ dies of cancer

Actress Winnie Bwire Ndubi, widely recognised as ‘Dida’ from the Citizen TV series Sultana, has sadly passed away, her family has confirmed.

Bwire died on Thursday, September 5, 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey for breast cancer.

In a statement, her family expressed their profound grief: “It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle to cancer on 5th September 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey.”

They extended their gratitude to supporters for their prayers and contributions, saying, “We will share more details in due course. God bless you all.”

Bwire’s struggle with cancer began over three years ago. Initially, she attributed her symptoms to a common infection. However, persistent pain led to a biopsy that confirmed cancer.

In March, during an interview on Citizen TV, she recounted her diagnosis: “I was initially told by a doctor that there were no cancerous cells. But the pain continued, so I consulted a gynaecologist who then detected the cancer through a biopsy.”

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Despite her concerns about losing her role in Sultana due to her treatment, she found solace in her acting career. After completing her role, her condition deteriorated, with the cancer spreading to her brain, bones, and other organs.

“After finishing my role in Sultana, the cancer worsened,” Bwire noted.

“My doctor suggested focusing on the brain cancer first as it impacted my quality of life,” she said, describing symptoms such as persistent headaches and memory issues.

Despite aggressive treatment, Bwire remained optimistic, supported by her family and fans. Her candidness about the harsh realities of cancer treatment provided insight into her battle.

Her passing comes shortly after she made an appeal for financial assistance to continue her treatment. She had sought Sh5 million to cover her medication and living expenses.

In a video posted on August 14, she detailed the severe side effects of her medication and the financial challenges she faced: “You wouldn’t believe it—it has over 41 side effects, and you never know which one will hit.”

Although she managed to secure visas for her treatment, financial limitations were a significant hurdle. “If you can support me, I have nothing to give in return, but you will save my life,” she appealed.