The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn recognition of Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy programme, citing staffing shortages and concerns over the leadership of its Department of Pharmacy.
The decision, announced in a public notice dated October 19, 2026, comes about six months after MUST was among nine universities cleared to offer the programme following a joint announcement by PSU and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in April.
The withdrawal raises uncertainty for students enrolled in the programme, with PSU warning that it will not recognise qualifications obtained from courses taught or assessed during the period of de-recognition.
In its notice, PSU said its council raised concerns about the department’s management during its 127th Ordinary Council Meeting held on September 4, 2026.
The society reported that the department was being headed in an acting capacity by a nurse rather than a pharmacist, that staffing levels were inadequate and that the university had not advertised 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 reads.
PSU said it subsequently issued MUST a show-cause notice requiring the university to explain why recognition of the programme should not be withdrawn and students transferred to other institutions.
“Pursuant to this, Council issued a Show Cause Notice Ref: 300/PSU/2026 dated 10th September 2026 requiring MUST to show cause within 30 days why recognition should not be withdrawn and students transferred,” the notice states.
According to the society, MUST failed to respond within the stipulated 30-day period, prompting the council to withdraw recognition with immediate effect.
The decision was reached during the council’s 61st Emergency Council Meeting held at Pharmacy House in Kyambogo.
The withdrawal has implications beyond the university’s recognition to offer the degree, affecting several steps in students’ progression towards professional practice.
PSU said it had suspended the issuance of pharmacy student numbers, recognition of internship placements and eligibility for new graduates of MUST to sit its 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 states.
The society advised students currently enrolled in the programme to consider transferring to other universities recognised by its council or wait for MUST to address the concerns and meet the required standards.
The decision follows MUST’s inclusion on the list of nine universities cleared to offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme in April. The other institutions named in that announcement were Makerere University, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Busitema University, Victoria University, Fins Medical University, Seeta University and Jeph International University.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy is generally a five-year programme designed to prepare students for professional practice. Graduates must also meet applicable professional requirements, including relevant qualifying examinations and internship requirements, before obtaining full registration to practise as pharmacists.
PSU indicated that MUST could have its recognition reconsidered if it addresses the concerns identified during the inspection and those 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,” the notice reads.
The society said the decision was made under its statutory mandate to safeguard standards in pharmacy education and training, citing Section 22(2) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap. 309.
