Over 100 pharmacy students in Uganda have petitioned the Youth Member of Parliament for Northern Uganda, Hon. Boniface Okot, challenging what they describe as an illegal pre-internship examination imposed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU).
Led by Emmanuel Khaukha of Victoria University, the students questioned the legal basis of the PSU-administered exam, arguing that it duplicates university efforts.
They emphasized that pharmacy students already undergo rigorous academic training, complete examinations, and graduate from accredited institutions.
In their petition, the students accused the PSU of overstepping its statutory mandate by imposing an additional, non-legislated requirement.
They also raised concerns that the exam could be a disguised attempt to extract money from financially struggling students, without clear oversight or accountability from the Ministry of Health.
The petitioners are calling on Parliament to intervene by declaring the PSU’s pre-internship examination unlawful.
They further demand that the Uganda Pharmacy Council legally mandated to oversee professional standards and internship placements be given full authority over the process, rather than allowing a private association to impose barriers to entry into the profession.
While receiving the petition at Parliament, Hon. Boniface Okot acknowledged the students’ concerns and pledged to present the matter to the Speaker of Parliament for further consideration.
By Francis Lubega
11th Aug 2025
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