The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda says Mbarara University of Science and Technology failed to address concerns over staffing and departmental leadership, a decision that could affect students’ qualifications, internships and professional examinations.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn recognition of Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy programme, citing inadequate staffing, concerns over departmental leadership and the university’s failure to respond to a regulatory notice.
In a public notice dated October 19, 2026, PSU said its council had resolved to withdraw recognition of the programme with immediate effect after MUST failed to respond within the stipulated period to a notice requiring it to explain why the approval should not be withdrawn.
The society said its 127th Ordinary Council Meeting, held on September 4, raised concerns that the university’s Department of Pharmacy was being headed in an acting capacity by a non-pharmacist, identified as a nurse by profession.
The council also cited inadequate staffing and the university’s failure to advertise the position of head of department internally or externally for substantive appointment.
“Council has resolved to withdraw its recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology with immediate effect from the date of this notice,” the statement reads.
PSU said it issued a show-cause notice on September 10, giving the university 30 days to explain why recognition should not be withdrawn and students transferred to other recognised institutions.
The society said MUST did not respond within the stipulated period, prompting the council to withdraw its recognition following deliberations at its 61st Emergency Council Meeting.
The decision has implications for students pursuing the degree and graduates seeking to progress towards professional registration.
PSU said it would not recognise qualifications obtained from courses taught or assessed during the period of de-recognition.
It also suspended the issuance of Pharmacy Student Numbers to students enrolled in the programme, recognition of internship placements and eligibility for new graduates to sit the society’s pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations until compliance is restored.
Current students have been advised to seek transfers to other universities recognised by PSU or await action by MUST to address the concerns raised by the council.
The society said it would conduct a follow-up inspection if the university addresses the inspection findings and concerns outlined in the show-cause notice.
PSU said the decision was taken under its statutory mandate to safeguard standards in pharmacy education and training, citing Section 22(2) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap 309.
The notice was copied to the National Council for Higher Education, the Ministry of Education and Sports, MUST’s vice-chancellor and the Mbarara University Pharmacy Students Association.
MUST had been among nine universities recognised by PSU in April 2026 to offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme. The society said the approval was conditional on institutions maintaining the required training standards.
The university’s response to the withdrawal had not been included in the notice.