Heath Walugembe Wins Shs1m Economics Award in Memory of Chris Kassami

What the report says

Heath Mulondo Walugembe has been named Vienna College Namugongo’s top Economics student after earning 91% in the 2026 Cambridge examinations, according to Watchdog Uganda. He received the Chris Kassami Memorial Economics Award during the school’s release of this year’s Cambridge results on Tuesday, an event that also highlighted student performance across several subjects.

The school said five students were shortlisted for the award. Walugembe finished ahead of Kigundu Abdulrahman, Twesige Melody Kukundakwe and Amia Rihanna Adubangu, who each reportedly scored 90%. The award carries a Shs1 million cash prize and is presented in memory of Chris Kassami, a former director of Vienna College and economist who died in 2016.

Watchdog Uganda reported that Kassami had wanted the school to recognise its best Economics student each year. A video of one of his past speeches was played at the ceremony, reflecting on his interest in Economics and his wish to reward academic excellence in the subject.

Jassi Kassami, his son and a director at the school, said the initiative honoured his father’s values. Principal Muhammed Kakiika said the memorial award will now be an annual feature. Beyond the individual prize, the school’s announcement suggests Vienna College is using the award to encourage stronger performance in Economics and to reinforce broader academic competition.