Victoria University, 8 other universities get PSU accreditation for pharmacy training
In a move aimed at improving oversight of trainees, the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda directed all pharmacy students in Uganda to register annually through the PSU Pharmacy Student Portal. Each student will be issued a unique PSU Pharmacy Student Number upon registration.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda has accredited nine universities to offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme, as it moves to strengthen standards in training and professional practice across the country.
In a public notice issued on April 16, the Society said the institutions were approved in collaboration with the National Council for Higher Education, in line with its mandate under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act.
The accredited universities include Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Gulu University, Busitema University and Victoria University.
Others are Fins Medical University, Seeta University and Jeph International University.
According to the Society, the institutions must strictly adhere to prescribed training standards, warning that failure to comply could lead to withdrawal of accreditation.
“The Council has a duty to supervise and regulate the training and transfer of pharmacy students, provide for their registration, and determine who is qualified to teach pharmacy,” the notice stated, referencing provisions under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap 309.
The PSU Council further clarified that only graduates with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree or its equivalent from recognised institutions will qualify for membership of the Society and eventual registration as pharmacists in Uganda.
In a move aimed at improving oversight of trainees, the Society directed all pharmacy students in Uganda to register annually through the PSU Pharmacy Student Portal. Each student will be issued a unique PSU Pharmacy Student Number upon registration.
The deadline for registration has been set at March 31 each year, with the directive also applying to Ugandans studying pharmacy abroad who intend to practice in the country.
The notice also outlines a structured examination pathway for graduates. Upon completing their studies, candidates must sit qualifying examinations administered by the PSU Council. These include Pre-Internship Exams held in January and June, and Post-Internship Exams conducted in February and August.
The Society emphasised that both the examination process and internship requirements are strictly regulated by the Council as part of efforts to ensure competence and professionalism in the sector.
Signed by the Society’s Secretary, Dr. Lutoti Stephen, the notice underscores PSU’s commitment to maintaining high standards in pharmaceutical education and practice.
The directive comes at a time when Uganda is seeking to strengthen its health systems by ensuring the quality and competence of healthcare professionals, particularly in critical fields such as pharmacy.
