Simon Mungudit, a standout student from Makerere University’s College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), has been named the best performing male science student for 2025.
He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production during Makerere’s 76th graduation ceremony scheduled from 24th to 27th February 2026 at Freedom Square, Kampala.
At just 24 years old, Mungudit has achieved a remarkable CGPA of 4.76, demonstrating excellence in subjects such as Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling, positioning him as one of Uganda’s rising talents in petroleum geoscience.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Born to Mr Owor Thomas, a game ranger at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms Lilly Obewun Grace of Nebbi District, Mungudit’s academic journey began in humble surroundings. He excelled early at Karuma Primary School, scoring 12 aggregates in the PLE, then went on to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates at O-Level.
He later joined Namilyango College, one of Uganda’s top secondary schools, studying Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), and scored 19 points, earning him a government scholarship to pursue petroleum geoscience at Makerere University.
Gratitude to Mentors and Sponsors
Mungudit attributes much of his success to family support, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities. He credits his parents for supporting his early education and TotalEnergies for funding his A’ Level studies. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, which he says motivated him to achieve academic excellence.
“I always aimed to excel. Together with a few colleagues, we formed a study group, and our daily discussions, discipline, prayer, and conducive environment helped us attain excellent grades,” Mungudit shared.
Dr Arthur Batte, Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, describes Mungudit as humble yet exceptionally intelligent.
Achievements and Professional Experience
Beyond academics, Mungudit has an impressive track record in petroleum engineering competitions and professional engagements:
- Winner, 2024 Reservoir Modelling Challenge organised by AAPG Makerere University Chapter
- First Runner-Up, 2023 and 2025 Petro Bowl competitions (Society of Petroleum Engineers, Uganda Section)
- Student Officer, SPE Makerere Chapter, 2023; Chair, SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference, 2024
He has also gained hands-on experience with major industry players: internship at TotalEnergies, applying petrophysics skills to gas-while-drilling data, training with Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) on 2D seismic acquisition in Buliisa and Hoima districts and proficiency in PetroMod 2018, a key oil and gas software.
Currently, he serves as Special Projects Coordinator for the SPE Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Mungudit plans to work in the upstream oil and gas sector as a geoscientist and hopes to pursue advanced studies in petroleum engineering.
From a village in Nebbi District to Makerere University’s top science graduate, Simon Mungudit’s journey exemplifies what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity, mentorship, and determination. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector grows, he is poised to contribute significantly to its development.
Credit: Mak News