The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has been directed to stop issuing annual practising licences to pharmacists after the Attorney General ruled that it has no legal authority to do so. The decision was made following a legal opinion by Solicitor General Pius Perly Biribonwoha, which stated that the statutory power to regulate, register and license pharmacists rests with the Pharmacy Board and its registrar. This move aims to clarify the roles of different bodies in the regulation of pharmacy practice in Uganda.
The dispute arose after the PSU decided to convert its annual membership certificate into an annual practising licence for members who had fully paid their membership subscriptions. This prompted the Ministry of Health to seek a legal interpretation of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap. 309, to determine whether the authority to issue annual practising licences lies with the Pharmacy Board or the PSU. The Ministry of Health issued the directive on September 18, 2026, following the legal opinion.
According to the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, the PSU has important responsibilities relating to membership, professional standards, education, training and the advancement of the pharmacy profession. However, the Act does not confer on it the power to issue annual practising licences. Instead, the law places the functions of regulating, registering and licensing pharmacists with the Pharmacy Board and the registrar. Section 13 of the Act provides for the registration of pharmacists and requires the registrar to maintain the register.
The Solicitor General, Pius Perly Biribonwoha, clarified that membership of the PSU and statutory registration as a pharmacist are separate, although related, matters. While PSU membership is relevant to registration under the law, membership does not give the Society authority to determine whether a pharmacist is legally entitled to practise. This distinction is crucial to prevent confusion among pharmacists, employers, regulatory authorities and the public.
The Solicitor General further ruled that payment of a PSU membership subscription cannot be treated as payment for a statutory practising licence. He therefore found that the Society’s decision to convert its annual membership certificate into a practising licence, with issuance based solely on payment of membership subscriptions, was inconsistent with the statutory framework governing pharmacy practice. This ruling has significant implications for pharmacists and the regulation of pharmacy practice in Uganda.
Following the legal opinion, Director General Health Services Prof Charles Olaro wrote to PSU secretary Dr Lutoti Stephen directing the Society to cease issuing the licences. Olaro also directed the PSU to ensure that its communications, certificates and other documents clearly distinguish between Society membership and the statutory registration and licensing of pharmacists. The Ministry of Health aims to ensure a smooth transition and has directed the PSU to work with the Pharmacy Board and the registrar.
The PSU has been directed to work with the Pharmacy Board and the registrar to communicate the changes to affected pharmacists and other stakeholders. The Ministry of Health emphasized the need for a smooth transition and clear communication to prevent confusion. The ruling has clarified the roles of different bodies in the regulation of pharmacy practice in Uganda, ensuring that pharmacists are properly registered and licensed.
Key points
- The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda has no legal authority to issue annual practising licences to pharmacists.
- The statutory power to regulate, register and license pharmacists rests with the Pharmacy Board and its registrar.
- The Ministry of Health has directed the PSU to cease issuing practising licences and to distinguish between Society membership and statutory registration and licensing.
