Kampala, Uganda: The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has accredited nine universities, including top-tier institutions, Victoria University and Makerere University, to offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme in a major move aimed at strengthening professional standards and expanding Uganda’s pharmaceutical workforce.
The accreditation, announced in a public notice dated April 16, 2026, was issued in collaboration with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), marking a significant policy shift to widen access to pharmacy education while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
The approved institutions include Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Gulu University, Busitema University, Victoria University, Fins Medical University, Seeta University, and Jeph International University.
The latest approval nearly doubles the number of accredited institutions compared to previous years, from about four universities in 2024 to nine in 2026, signalling a deliberate effort to address the country’s growing demand for qualified pharmacists.
According to PSU Secretary Dr Lutoti Stephen, the expansion is designed to strengthen Uganda’s capacity in medicine regulation, safe drug use, and specialized healthcare delivery. “Universities must adhere to the required standards; otherwise, the PSU Council may withdraw their recognition,” Dr. Lutoti warned.
The PSU operates under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act (Cap 309), which mandates it to regulate pharmacy training, registration, and practice in Uganda.
Under the new framework, only graduates from PSU-accredited universities will qualify for registration as pharmacists in Uganda.
All pharmacy students are now required to register annually on the PSU Pharmacy Student Portal and obtain a unique student number, a move aimed at tightening oversight throughout the training cycle.
Graduates must also pass a series of professional examinations administered by the PSU Council, including pre-internship exams held in January and June, and post-internship exams conducted in February and August.
Additionally, Ugandans studying pharmacy abroad will be required to register with PSU and sit qualifying examinations before being licensed to practice locally.
While the expansion opens doors for more students, PSU has emphasized that maintaining quality remains a top priority.
The society warned that any institution failing to meet required standards risks losing accreditation, highlighting concerns about preserving professional integrity amid rapid growth.
Health sector experts say the move could significantly improve access to pharmaceutical services, particularly in underserved and rural areas where shortages of qualified pharmacists persist.
The development also reflects Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare systems and align training with increasing national and global health demands.
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