Pharmacists urged to step up as pharmaceutical body inducts new interns

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has launched its latest induction programme for intern pharmacists, calling on the new cohort to take charge of their crucial role in Uganda's healthcare system.

The initiative aims to equip the next generation of pharmacists with the skills and ethical foundation needed to drive professional excellence.

Speaking at the launch at Pharmacy House in Kyambogo on August 2, 2025, Dr Stephen Lutoti, the Secretary of PSU, emphasised the profession's critical role in public health.

“I am thrilled to see our intern pharmacists embark on this exciting journey,” he said.

"As pharmacists, we have a critical role to play in promoting public health and well-being. I urge our interns to take advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow, and to always remember that our profession is built on a foundation of integrity, compassion, and excellence.”

The PSU Council's induction programme is designed to ensure a smooth transition from academia to professional practice. It covers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both technical expertise and essential soft skills.

Key topics covered during the induction, included pharmacy practice (operations, regulations, and ethical standards in hospital settings), antimicrobial stewardship (the pharmacist’s role in combating antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat), and professional development (how to manage professional records and the expectations for external rotations) as well as essential skills ( a dynamic session from the Little Winnie Foundation (LWF) focused on soft skills like communication, leadership, stress management, and emotional intelligence).

Lutoti believes that this well-rounded training will secure the future of the profession.

“With the PSU Council's commitment to mentoring and guiding the next generation of pharmacists, the future of pharmacy in Uganda looks bright,” he stated.

Appeals for government investment

Beyond training, the PSU used the induction ceremony as a platform to make a strong appeal to the Government for greater investment in the pharmaceutical sector. Lutoti outlined a six-point policy appeal to create a more supportive environment for pharmacists.

The appeal includes increased funding for healthcare and pharmaceutical services, universal access to essential medicines, the deployment of a pharmacist in every public health facility, support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, stronger quality control and regulatory oversight and enhanced national action on antimicrobial resistance.

“Pharmacists are indispensable in ensuring rational medicine use, patient safety, and public health protection,” Lutoti said.

“We need a stronger policy environment to enable pharmacists to contribute fully.”

A call to action for citizens

The PSU also called on citizens to be partners in safeguarding public health. Lutoti urged the public to avoid self-medication and only obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies.

“We urge citizens to demand quality medicines, use antimicrobials responsibly, and avoid self-prescription,” he said. “Together, we can combat drug resistance and promote safer use of medicines.”

About PSU

PSU is the professional body for pharmacists in Uganda, established under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act (PDA) 1970, cap 280 of the constitution of Uganda.

To legally practice as a pharmacist in Uganda, one must be a subscribed member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda and hold both a Certificate of Membership and a Certificate of Practice.

The PSU Council, mandated to regulate pharmacy practice, works in partnership with the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to accredit pharmacy training institutions. Only the following universities are currently accredited to offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy program: Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Busitema University, Victoria University and Fins Medical University.