MUST Pharmacy Program Accreditation Confirmed by NCHE Amidst PSU Derecognition Dispute

Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program has received a strong endorsement from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), assuring students and parents of its continued accreditation.

This reassurance comes in response to a recent decision by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) to withdraw its recognition of the program. The PSU cited concerns over leadership and staffing, particularly the previous appointment of an acting head of department who did not have a pharmacy background.

However, NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary Okwakol clarified that the authority to derecognize academic qualifications rests solely with the NCHE. She stated that the PSU’s unilateral decision was made without the NCHE’s involvement or consultation. The MUST pharmacy program was first accredited in 2010 and most recently re-accredited on January 30, 2025, with validity until 2036. NCHE emphasized that all previous accreditations were done in consultation with the PSU as legally required.

To address the PSU’s concerns, MUST has appointed Dr. Jonans Tusiimire, a qualified pharmacist, as the Acting Head of the Pharmacy Department for a three-month period. Dr. Tusiimire, a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at MUST, also holds the position of President of the PSU. This interim appointment aims to provide leadership while the university finalizes a substantive hiring process by December.

The university explained that the leadership gap arose after the former substantive head resigned. An interim appointment was made with a lecturer holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a nursing background, a decision defended by the university due to the individual’s extensive research experience.

The matter has also drawn attention in Parliament, with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directing the Minister of Education and Sports to present a comprehensive statement on the regulatory overlap and legal framework governing such situations. The Minister has pledged to provide this statement, alongside guidance from the Attorney General.

Despite MUST’s actions, the PSU Secretary, Dr. Stephen Lutoti, indicated that the society’s council resolution to derecognize the program still stands, though they await formal communication from MUST regarding Dr. Tusiimire’s appointment.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)