The Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has etched its name into SPE Uganda Section's PetroBowl history, securing a fourth consecutive national title at the 2026 SPE Annual Students Technical Conference and Exhibition (SASTCE), hosted at Kyambogo University.
With this victory, MUST became the first team in Uganda to achieve a four-peat, extending a run that began in 2023 and reaffirming its position as the benchmark of excellence in student energy competitions.
A Competition Growing in Strength
Organized under the SPE Uganda Section, the PetroBowl competition at SASTCE 2026 brought together eight universities in a competitive format. MUST earned first place, followed by Makerere University and Kyambogo University, respectively. This marked Makerere University’s third appearance in the finals in 4 years.
The repeated presence of Makerere University in the finals and Kyambogo’s strong performance highlight the increasing competitiveness and depth of PetroBowl in Uganda. Other universities that competed in this year’s edition include King Ceasor University, Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (2024 finalists), International University of East Africa, and Victoria University.
The Team Behind the Historic Run
MUST’s 2026 victory was delivered by a well-coordinated team of students who combined technical knowledge with composure under pressure. The team comprised Daniel Favour Kuganja (team captain), Dan Mark Kawooya, Musisi Sharifa Patience, Okwel Kenneth, and Ahumuza Davis.
The team was coached by Ocul Morgan Moses, whose leadership has been instrumental in sustaining the program’s high-performance culture.
Notably, team captain Kuganja is also a recipient of the Victor Ekpenyong African Regional Scholarship, reflecting both academic excellence and leadership within the African energy community.
Speaking after the victory, Kuganja captured the team’s ambition with clarity, saying, “The MUST PetroBowl team is ready and determined to dominate the African championship.”
Four-Peat: A Testament to Continuity and Excellence
Winning four consecutive titles is a rare achievement in any academic competition. For MUST, this milestone underscores a system built on consistency, discipline, and continuity.
Despite changes in team composition over the years, the team has maintained its competitive edge, demonstrating that sustained excellence is not dependent on individuals alone, but on a culture that is continuously passed down and strengthened.
From Uganda to Africa
With their fourth consecutive title secured, MUST now turns its focus beyond national borders. They head to the African PetroBowl Championships in Kenya in July 2026 with one clear objective—to win.
They return to the continental stage with a strong pedigree, having defeated Kenyatta University in 2024 at Makerere University to claim the African title, and finishing as finalists in 2023 after a closely contested loss to the University of Mines and Technology of Ghana.
With experience, confidence, and momentum on their side, the team carries not only Uganda’s hopes but also the expectation of excellence they have consistently delivered.
Conclusion: A Dynasty Still in Motion
MUST’s fourth consecutive title is a statement. A statement of consistency. A statement of preparation. A statement of intent.
As the competition in Uganda continues to grow stronger, the national stage has already proven one thing: There is a team to beat.
Now, the question moves to the continental stage.
Can they do it again in Africa?
