By Ben Musanje
Tension is rising in Uganda’s health sector after a new drug law sparked claims that some scientists are being pushed out of medicine production. But the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has come out strongly to clear the air, saying these claims are not true.
In a statement dated March 31, 2026, and signed by its Secretary, Dr Stephen Lutoti, the society explained that no qualified person is being left out. Instead, it says the law is being misunderstood.
The issue started after the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda passed the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill 2025. This new law is meant to improve how Uganda controls medicines and other health products like cosmetics and medical devices.
The society welcomed the law and called it a big step forward. For many years, Uganda has wanted to reach a high global standard set by the World Health Organization, known as Maturity Level 3. This level means a country has a strong and trusted system to control medicines.
Uganda has struggled to reach this level because of weak laws. But now, with this new law in place, the National Drug Authority has a better chance of getting there. If that happens, it will boost trust in medicines made in Uganda and help local drug companies grow.
However, not everyone is happy.
Some people have pointed to Clause 31 of the law, which says drug production must be supervised by a pharmacist. This has led to fears that some scientists, especially those with degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, are being excluded.
But the society says this is wrong.
Dr Lutoti explains that a pharmacist is anyone who is properly trained and registered under the law. The National Council for Higher Education already sets the minimum standards for studying pharmacy. Anyone who meets these standards can be registered as a pharmacist, no matter the exact name of their degree.
This means qualified pharmaceutical scientists are not being left out at all. If their training meets the required standard, they can become pharmacists. If it does not, they can take extra training and qualify.
The society also explained why pharmacists must supervise drug production.
Making medicine is not simple. It is not just about mixing chemicals. Even a small mistake can be dangerous. A wrong ingredient, poor storage, or contamination can harm people.
Pharmacists are trained to understand all parts of medicine. They study how drugs are made and how they affect the human body. This makes them best suited to oversee the process and ensure safety.
Around the world, this is normal practice. The World Health Organization supports having pharmacists lead drug production because they understand both science and patient safety.
Still, the society made it clear that other scientists are very important. Drug manufacturing needs many experts, including chemists, engineers, and microbiologists. These professionals work together as a team.
The difference is that the pharmacist leads the process. They take final responsibility to make sure the medicine is safe and of good quality.
Scientists who do not yet meet the requirements to be pharmacists can still work in production as technicians. They can also upgrade their skills and become pharmacists later.
Dr Lutoti also stressed that pharmacists follow strict professional rules. They are trained to always put patient safety first, even when there is pressure to cut corners.
For ordinary people, this should bring comfort. Even though they do not see how medicines are made, they can trust that a qualified professional is in charge.
In the end, the message from the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda is clear. The new law is not about blocking anyone. It is about protecting lives and making sure every medicine used in Uganda is safe, effective, and trusted.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
