Over 100 pharmacy students from institutions across Uganda have petitioned Parliament, calling for the immediate abolition of the pre-internship examination administered by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda.

Citing concerns over legality, high fees, and bureaucratic barriers, the students argue that the current system is not only unlawful but also detrimental to their career progression. Our reporter brings us more on this developing story.

To qualify for membership in the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), candidates must have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from a recognized university or institution. Additionally, they are required to have secured at least two principal passes at A’ Level in core science subjects—Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. A critical part of the registration process is the payment of a fee, set at 250,000 Ugandan shillings for Ugandan nationals and 200 US dollars for international applicants. 

However, a new wave of discontent is rising among pharmacy students across the country. Today, over 100 pharmacy students from various institutions in Uganda have formally petitioned Parliament, challenging the legality and fairness of the mandatory Pre-Internship Examination administered by PSU. They cite exorbitant fees, lack of transparency, and a bureaucratic process as key issues undermining the quality and accessibility of pharmaceutical training in Uganda.

Besides being given a pre-internship examination, they maintain that they are charged exorbitant fees where a candidate is required to pay over UGX 300,000 for pre-registration alongside the examination fees, which sometimes causes a hindrance for some students to sit for the examinations, resulting in dropouts.

The students requested the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda abolish the pre-internship examinations, maintaining the conduct of the qualifying exams, among other requirements.

Mbale Ambrose claims there is a failure to provide quality service in the country’s pharmaceutical sector due to the bureaucratic nature of the system.

Hon. Boniface Okot, who represented the students, asserted that the petition would be relayed to Parliament provided it followed the official petition process.

A total of 107 students from different institutions across the country signed the petition in agreement to abolish the pre-internship examinations that hinder their progress as pharmacy students.