The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Kyambogo University Chapter, led by the president, Mr. Ngabirano Bruno, in collaboration with the SPE Uganda Section, successfully organized the SPE Annual Students Technical Conference and Exhibition (SASTCE) 2026 from 25th to 27th March 2026, hosted by Kyambogo University. The conference brought together approximately 500 participants, including SPE student chapters from Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Nkumba University, International University of East Africa, Victoria University, King Ceasor University, and Uganda Petroleum Institute- Kigumba. The three-day event opened with a virtual session on 25th March, followed by an Inter-University Sports Gala and BP Debate preliminaries on 26th March, before culminating in the Main Conference Day on 27th March. Held under the theme “Sustainable Energy Transition: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection in Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector,” the conference brought together students, engineers, industry professionals, and government regulators in a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing Uganda’s Energy future.
The virtual opening session featured a keynote address from SPE Africa Regional Director Dr. Riverson Oppong and SPE Global President Prof. Jennifer L. Muskins, who emphasized the international significance of the event. On the D- Day, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) delivered remarkable industry presentations, followed by a distinguished Industry Panel featuring TotalEnergies EP Uganda, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, SLB, and Q-Sourcing.
The virtual opening session featured a keynote address from SPE Africa Regional Director Dr. Riverson Oppong and SPE Global President Prof. Jennifer L. Muskins, who emphasized the international significance of the event. On the D- Day, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) delivered remarkable industry presentations, followed by a distinguished Industry Panel featuring TotalEnergies EP Uganda, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, SLB, and Q-Sourcing.
Students further showcased their talent through the Innovation Challenge Pitch Session, the Paper Contest, and research project exhibitions, proving that Kyambogo University’s Engineering students are not only competition-ready but research-ready. The competitions delivered the conference’s most electric moments. The Debate Grand Finale crowned Kyambogo University as the overall champions. The Petrobowl, the event’s biggest highlight, saw universities battle through a high-intensity Petroleum Engineering quiz that had the audience on their feet. After a pulsating semi-final in which Makerere University defeated host Kyambogo University, the Grand finale saw Mbarara University of Science and Technology claim the championship, with Makerere University in second and Kyambogo University in third place.
Tags: Energy Conference, Kyambogo University, Oil and Gas Uganda, Petroleum Engineering, SASTCE 2026, SPE Uganda, student innovation, Sustainable Energy Uganda