Uganda's Pharmacists Body Revokes MUST Pharmacy Degree Recognition

The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has officially derecognized the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). This decision, effective immediately, stems from the university’s failure to rectify critical administrative and staffing issues within its Pharmacy Department.

The PSU, mandated by the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, cited MUST’s persistent non-compliance with a notice issued on April 16. This notice highlighted that the Pharmacy Department was being led by an acting head who is a nurse, not a pharmacist. Furthermore, the regulatory body pointed to an insufficient number of qualified teaching staff and a lack of efforts to substantively fill the Head of Department position.

According to PSU Secretary Dr. Stephen Lutoti, the university was issued a formal “Show Cause Notice” on September 10, 2026, giving them 30 days to explain why recognition should not be revoked. MUST reportedly failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe. Consequently, the PSU Council resolved to withdraw recognition during an emergency meeting.

This derecognition has significant consequences for students. The PSU Council will not recognize any qualifications for courses taught or assessed during the period of derecognition. Moreover, the issuance of PSU Pharmacy Student Numbers, recognition of internships, and eligibility for qualifying examinations for new MUST graduates are suspended until compliance is restored.

The PSU advises current MUST pharmacy students to consider transferring to other recognized institutions or wait for MUST to resolve the identified issues. A follow-up inspection will be conducted if the university demonstrates compliance with previous findings and addresses the concerns raised in the “Show Cause Notice.”

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/pharmacists-body-derecognises-must-pharmacy-degree-demands-student-transfers-5638438