The Ministry of Health has directed the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) to immediately stop issuing Annual Practising Licences (APLs) to pharmacists, cautioning that the professional body is operating outside its legal mandate.
The directive is contained in a September 18, 2026 letter authored by Prof. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, and addressed to PSU Secretary Dr. Stephen Lutoti.
Prof. Olaro cited an official legal opinion from the Solicitor General, dated September 11, 2026, which clarified the distribution of regulatory powers under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act (Cap. 309).
‘We are advised that while the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has statutory responsibilities relating to membership, professional standards, education, training and the advancement of the pharmacy profession, the Pharmacy and Drugs Act does not confer upon the Society the mandate to issue Annual Practising Licences or independently determine a pharmacist’s statutory entitlement to practise,’ Prof. Olaro stated.
He emphasized that regulatory, registration, and licensing powers are legally vested in the Pharmacy Board and the Registrar, rather than the Society.
The Director General further clarified that membership fees paid to the professional body do not cover state licensing requirements.
‘It is further clarified that payment of PSU membership subscriptions does not constitute payment for a statutory practising licence and that the conversion of the PSU Annual Membership Certificate into an Annual Practising Licence is not consistent with the statutory scheme under the Act,’ Prof. Olaro wrote.
‘In view of the foregoing, you are hereby requested to ensure that the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda ceases and desists from the issuance of Annual Practising Licences, as this function is not conferred upon the Society by the Pharmacy and Drugs Act,’ he added.
To prevent further misunderstandings within the healthcare sector, Prof. Olaro asked Dr. Lutoti to ensure all future documentation issued by the PSU clearly separates internal society membership from official state licensing.
This measure, he noted, would ‘avoid confusion’ among pharmacists, healthcare employers, regulatory bodies, and the public.
‘We trust that the Society will take the necessary administrative measures to give effect to this legal position and to work closely with the Pharmacy Board and the Registrar to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, including appropriate communication to all affected pharmacists and other stakeholders,’ the letter concluded.
Dr. Lutoti had not responded to our requests for comment by press time.