Mbarara University Appoints Caretaker Pharmacy Head Amid Regulatory Concerns

Mbarara University of Science and Technology has appointed Jonan Asimire as the caretaker Head of the Department of Pharmacy. This move aims to address regulatory concerns raised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, which withdrew recognition of the university's Bachelor of Pharmacy programme. The decision was made after the university failed to meet the compliance deadline set by the PSU.

The dispute between MUST and PSU began on September 10, 2026, when the PSU issued a 30-day Show Cause Notice citing academic and regulatory shortcomings. The concerns included the failure to advertise the position of Head of the Department of Pharmacy following the resignation of former head, Prof. Patrick Ogwang, and a shortage of qualified pharmacy instructors.

The university's Secretary, Vincent Kansiime Kwatampora, disclosed the appointment of Asimire while appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. Kwatampora stated that the university was taking steps to address the concerns, including recruiting two pharmacists and initiating further recruitment processes. An upcoming meeting with the PSU is expected to provide an opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues and restore recognition of the programme.

However, the committee raised concerns about the university's wider staffing challenges and the potential impact on students. Committee Chairperson Patrick Oshabe questioned the university's decision to proceed with interim arrangements despite the professional body's directives. Oshabe warned that such actions could put students' academic and professional prospects at risk.

Lawmakers also questioned reports indicating that MUST had only 10 professors and 17 associate professors, raising concerns about the institution's capacity to supervise postgraduate research. MP Nsamba challenged the university to ensure that its postgraduate qualifications meet the required academic standards, particularly in producing competent PhD graduates.

The concerns are reflected in the Auditor General's report for the period ending December 2025, which established that the university had a staffing level of only 30 per cent. The report recommended increased wage appropriation to enable MUST to recruit staff and fill critical vacancies necessary for the operation of a specialised medical teaching institution.

The recognition withdrawal resulted in a suspension of the issuance of pharmacy student numbers, internship placements and access to mandatory pre-internship and pre-registration qualifying examinations for MUST graduates. The university's efforts to address the concerns and restore recognition of the programme are ongoing, with a focus on resolving the staffing challenges and meeting the required academic standards.

Key points

• Mbarara University of Science and Technology appoints caretaker Head of Pharmacy Department amid regulatory concerns.
• The university faces wider staffing challenges, with a staffing level of only 30 per cent.
• The PSU's withdrawal of recognition affects pharmacy students' academic and professional prospects.