The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), citing concerns over the department’s leadership, staffing and failure to respond to regulatory queries.
In a public notice dated October 19, 2026, PSU said the withdrawal took immediate effect, warning that qualifications obtained from courses taught or assessed during the de-recognition period would not be recognised by its council.
The society also suspended the issuance of PSU Pharmacy Student Numbers, recognition of internship placements, and eligibility for new MUST graduates to sit pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations until the university restores compliance.
According to the notice signed by PSU Secretary Dr Stephen Lutoti, the decision followed concerns raised during the society’s 127th Ordinary Council Meeting held on September 4, 2026.
The council reportedly found that MUST’s Department of Pharmacy, which was operating under recognition granted through a public notice dated April 16, 2026, was headed by a non-pharmacist, described by the society as a nurse by profession.
PSU further cited inadequate staffing levels and the university’s failure to appoint an internal or external adviser to substantially fill the position of head of department.
On September 10, 2026, the society issued MUST a show-cause notice requiring the university to explain within 30 days why recognition of the programme should not be withdrawn and students transferred.
However, PSU said MUST failed to respond within the stipulated period, prompting the council to withdraw recognition at its 61st Emergency Council Meeting held at Pharmacy House in Kyambogo.
Students advised to seek transfers
The society has advised students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at MUST to seek transfers to other universities recognised by the PSU Council or await the university’s compliance with the outstanding requirements.
PSU added that if MUST addresses the findings from its inspection and the issues raised in the show-cause notice, a follow-up inspection will be conducted to assess compliance and determine further action.
The society said the decision was intended to safeguard pharmacy training standards, citing its statutory mandate under Section 22(2) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap. 309.
The notice was copied to the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, the Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Vice Chancellor of MUST, the university’s Pharmacy Students Association president and members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda.
The withdrawal raises concerns for current pharmacy students at MUST, particularly regarding the recognition of their training, internship placements and progression towards professional qualification.
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