Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Minister of Education and Sports to clarify who has the legal authority to accredit or withdraw recognition of university academic programmes following a dispute over Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy course.
Tayebwa issued the directive after the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) derecognised the programme on October 19, 2026, citing concerns about staffing and the management of the university’s pharmacy department.
The Deputy Speaker wants the minister to present a clear position before Parliament on October 22, 2026, amid conflicting positions between PSU and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
PSU reportedly raised concerns over the leadership of MUST’s pharmacy department, which it said was being headed by an acting official who is a nurse rather than a qualified pharmacist. The society also cited an alleged shortage of qualified staff and the failure to advertise the substantive Head of Department position, despite the university reportedly receiving a show-cause notice.
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However, NCHE maintains that MUST’s Bachelor of Pharmacy programme remains accredited for the next four years, creating uncertainty over the respective powers of the higher education regulator and the professional body.
The dispute has raised concerns about the possible implications for students enrolled in the programme, including their qualifications, examinations and internship opportunities.
Under Tayebwa’s directive, the Minister of Education and Sports is expected to consult the Attorney General, who will appear before Parliament to provide legal guidance on the matter.
The clarification is expected to establish whether PSU can withdraw recognition of a programme that remains accredited by NCHE and how disputes involving professional academic programmes should be handled. The outcome could have implications for MUST pharmacy students and the regulation of similar programmes across Uganda.
🚨 Tayebwa Orders Minister to Clarify Who Has Power to Accredit University Courses Amid MUST Pharmacy Row
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Minister of Education and Sports to explain who has the legal authority to accredit or withdraw university academic programmes following a dispute over Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Bachelor of Pharmacy course.
Tayebwa issued the directive after the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) derecognised the programme on October 19, 2026, citing concerns over staffing and the management of the university’s pharmacy department.
The Deputy Speaker wants the minister to present a clear position before Parliament on October 22, 2026, following conflicting positions between the professional body and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
According to PSU, MUST failed to address concerns over the leadership of its pharmacy department, which was reportedly being headed by an acting official who is a nurse rather than a qualified pharmacist.
The society also cited an inadequate number of qualified staff and the failure to advertise the position of substantive Head of Department, despite the university reportedly receiving a show-cause notice.
However, NCHE maintains that MUST’s Bachelor of Pharmacy programme remains accredited for the next four years, raising questions about the respective mandates of the two institutions.
The dispute has sparked concern over the implications for students pursuing the programme, particularly regarding their qualifications, examinations and internship opportunities.
Under Tayebwa’s directive, the Minister of Education and Sports is expected to consult the Attorney General, who will appear before Parliament to provide legal guidance on the matter.
The clarification is expected to establish whether a professional body such as PSU can withdraw recognition of a university programme that remains accredited by NCHE, and how the two institutions should handle such disputes.
The outcome could have significant implications for MUST pharmacy students and the regulation of professional academic programmes across Uganda.
— Celeb Patrol UG (@CelebPatrolUg) October 20, 2026
