By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA — The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), citing concerns over staffing shortages and leadership of the university’s Department of Pharmacy.
In a notice dated October 19, 2026, the professional body announced that the decision takes immediate effect, warning that academic work and assessments undertaken during the de-recognition period will not qualify for its recognition.
The move has significant implications for students pursuing pharmacy at MUST, particularly their progression towards internships and professional registration.
PSU said the withdrawal also affects the issuance of pharmacy student numbers, recognition of internship placements and access by newly graduated pharmacists to the society’s pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations.
According to the notice, the concerns were discussed at the society’s 127th Ordinary Council Meeting held on September 4, 2026. Members reportedly raised questions about the department’s leadership, which was being provided by an acting head who is professionally trained as a nurse rather than a pharmacist.
The council also cited what it described as inadequate staffing and the university’s failure to advertise the position of Head of Department internally or externally to facilitate a substantive appointment.
PSU subsequently issued MUST a show-cause notice on September 10, giving the university 30 days to explain why the programme’s recognition should not be withdrawn and students transferred to other institutions.
However, the society said it had not received a response within the specified period. The matter was subsequently considered at its 61st Emergency Council Meeting at Pharmacy House in Kyambogo, where the decision to withdraw recognition was made.
The professional body has advised affected students to consider transferring to other universities whose pharmacy programmes are recognised by its council, or await action by MUST to resolve the outstanding concerns.
PSU further stated that qualifications obtained through coursework or assessments conducted during the period of de-recognition would not be recognised by the society. The restrictions on internships and qualifying examinations will also remain in place until the university addresses the issues identified.
The society said it could conduct a follow-up inspection once MUST has taken corrective measures and addressed the findings raised in the inspection and show-cause process. The outcome of that assessment would inform any further action regarding the programme’s recognition.
PSU said its decision falls within its statutory responsibility under Section 22(2) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap 309, to safeguard professional standards in pharmacy education and training in Uganda.
The notice was signed by Dr Stephen Lutoti, the society’s secretary, and copied to the National Council for Higher Education, the Ministry of Education and Sports, MUST’s Vice Chancellor and the university’s Pharmacy Students Association.
The NewzZone sought a response from Mbarara University of Science and Technology regarding the concerns raised by PSU but had not received a response by the time of publication.