From Uganda to UHCL: Ronald Ndawula earns UHCL’s top military-connected student honor

More than 180 students, faculty, and staff gathered at the University of Houston-Clear Lake's second annual Military-Connected End-of-Year Celebration Dinner, an evening dedicated to recognizing the achievements, resilience, and community spirit of UHCL's veteran and military-affiliated students.

Hosted by the Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Veteran & Military Resource Center on May 6, the celebration highlighted student achievement awards, graduate recognition, certificates of appreciation, and the presentation of the evening's highest honor: Military-Connected Student of the Year. This year's recipient, Ronald Ndawula, represents the very balance of service, leadership, and academic excellence the award was designed to recognize.

A journey fueled by discipline and determination

Originally from Uganda and now based in Houston, Ndawula serves in the U.S. Army Reserve while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) with a Minor in Cybersecurity at UHCL. In addition to his military service and coursework, he also works at Harris County as an Information Security Analyst-IAM contractor.

Ndawula said his path to UHCL was shaped by a desire to grow professionally while continuing to serve.

"I chose UHCL because of its strong IT program, smaller class sizes, and supportive environment for military-connected students," he said. "It offered the balance I needed between academics, work, and service."

Although Ndawula's journey has been rewarding, that balance has not always been easy.

"Balancing military duties, school, and work has been challenging," he said. "But I've learned time management, discipline, and resilience. Balancing my responsibilities pushes me to stay organized and focused."

Passion for cybersecurity

Ndawula said his interest in technology began with curiosity about how systems operate and evolved through hands-on exposure to cybersecurity concepts.

"I've always been interested in how systems work and how to secure them," he said. "My interest grew through hands-on experiences and exposure to cybersecurity concepts, which motivated me to pursue IT professionally."

During his time at UHCL, he has strengthened technical and professional skills in cybersecurity, scripting, web development, and communication through coursework, labs, and faculty mentorship.

"Courses in scripting, forensics, and cybersecurity, along with hands-on labs and projects, were especially valuable," Ndawula said. "Professors like Joshua Baker, Dr. Lisa Lacher, Dr. Arturo Perez, and Krishani Abeysekera, who emphasized real-world application, helped me connect theory to practice."

His academic success recently earned him not only the Military-Connected Student of the Year award, but also the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award in Information Technology.

"I transferred to UHCL with an Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Houston City College, and my mentor warned me that switching to a Bachelor of Science in IT would be challenging," Ndawula said. "But I've always loved a challenge. Winning this award validates my dedication to my studies and my passion for IT, and it motivates me to keep improving and striving for excellence in my field."