education 21 October 2026 Nile Post
NCHE Upholds MUST Pharmacy Degree Accreditation Amidst PSU Recognition Withdrawal
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has affirmed the continued accreditation of Mbarara University of Science and Technology's (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy program until 2036, countering the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda's (PSU) recent withdrawal of professional recognition. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/380351/nche-rejects-psu-move-to-withdraw-recognition-of-must-pharmacy-degree
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has firmly stated that the Bachelor of Pharmacy program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) remains accredited and operational, despite the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda’s (PSU) decision to revoke its professional recognition.
PSU cited concerns over inadequate staffing and leadership within MUST’s Pharmacy Department as reasons for their action. They also noted the university’s failure to respond to their notice regarding these issues. This withdrawal by PSU has led to the suspension of Pharmacy Student Numbers and has raised questions about the eligibility of current students for internships and qualifying examinations.
However, NCHE clarified in a recent statement that PSU’s decision was unilateral and made without consulting the higher education regulator. According to NCHE, the Pharmacy program at MUST was initially accredited in 2010 and has undergone several re-accreditations, with the latest approval extending its validity until 2036.
NCHE emphasized that the mandate for recognizing academic qualifications lies with them, as stipulated by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act. They indicated that re-accreditations have historically involved consultations with PSU.
The dispute reportedly stems, in part, from the leadership of MUST’s pharmacy department. Following the resignation of the previous head, a senior lecturer with a background in nursing and a PhD in pharmacology was appointed as interim head, a decision that PSU questioned regarding professional leadership standards.
Despite these disagreements, NCHE maintains that the academic accreditation of the program is unaffected and that teaching and learning should continue. The clarification from NCHE follows a similar assertion made by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who directed the Minister of Education and Sports to address the matter in Parliament.
While NCHE confirms academic accreditation, the implications of PSU’s withdrawn professional recognition on students’ future careers remain a point of concern.