The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn, with immediate effect, its recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), citing concerns over the leadership and staffing of the university’s Department of Pharmacy.
In a public notice dated October 19, 2026, the society said its council had found that the department was being headed in an acting capacity by a non-pharmacist who is a nurse by profession. The council also raised concerns about inadequate staffing and the university’s failure to advertise the position of head of department for substantive appointment.
“At its 127th Ordinary Council Meeting held on Friday, 4th September 2026, Council noted with grave concern that the Department of Pharmacy at MUST, running a Bachelor of Pharmacy program recognized by PSU Council vide Public Notice dated 16th April 2026, was headed in acting capacity by a non-pharmacist (nurse by profession), had inadequate number of staff, and the University had not issued any internal or external advert to substantively fill the position of Head of Department,” the notice said. According to PSU, MUST was issued a show-cause notice on September 10, 2026, and given 30 days to explain why recognition of the programme should not be withdrawn and students transferred. The society said the university failed to respond within the stipulated period.
“At its 61st Emergency Council Meeting held at Pharmacy House, Kyambogo, the PSU Council deliberated and resolved to withdraw its recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology with immediate effect from the date of this notice,” the statement said.
The withdrawal means that PSU will not recognize qualifications obtained from courses taught or assessed during the de-recognition period. The council has also suspended the issuance of PSU pharmacy student numbers, recognition of internship placements and eligibility for newly graduated MUST students to sit the society’s pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations until the university restores compliance.
“PSU Council shall not recognize any qualification obtained where courses were taught and/or assessed during the de-recognition period,” the notice stated. Current students enrolled in the programme have been advised to seek transfer to other universities recognized by the PSU Council or wait for MUST to address the concerns raised by the regulator. The society said a follow-up inspection would be conducted if the university complies with the inspection findings and issues outlined in the show-cause notice.
“Should MUST comply with the PSU Council inspection findings sent to the university vice chancellor and issues raised in the Show Cause Notice, a follow-up inspection shall be conducted to assess compliance and inform further action,” PSU said.
The notice was copied to the National Council for Higher Education, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the MUST vice chancellor, the Mbarara University Pharmacy Students Association and members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda. The society said the action was part of its statutory responsibility under Section 22(2) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap 309, to safeguard standards in pharmacy education and training.
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