Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda withdraws MUST pharmacy degree recognition

The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has withdrawn recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). The decision, effective October 19, 2026, follows concerns regarding inadequate staffing, leadership issues, and the university’s failure to address regulatory queries.

According to the PSU, the Department of Pharmacy has been operating under an acting leadership arrangement headed by a non-pharmacist. The society noted that the university failed to respond to a 30-day show-cause notice issued in September 2026.

As a result of the de-recognition, the PSU will not recognize qualifications obtained from courses taught or assessed during this period. Additionally, the society has suspended the issuance of pharmacy student numbers, the recognition of internship placements, and the eligibility of MUST graduates to sit pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations. These restrictions will remain in place until the university restores compliance with regulatory requirements. Current students have been advised to seek transfers to other institutions.