The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has challenged political aspirants at all levels to place healthcare financing, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the welfare of health workers at the centre of their political manifestos ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking on behalf of the national professional body for pharmacists, PSU Secretary Stephen Lutoti said the society’s more than 2,000 members are ready to back leaders who present clear, actionable commitments to strengthening Uganda’s pharmaceutical and healthcare systems.
“As we head to the polls, our members are prepared to support any candidate who stands out and says, ‘I will prioritise these issues,’ not only for pharmacists but for the entire health workforce,” Lutoti said.
Call to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing
PSU raised concern over Uganda’s heavy dependence on imported medicines, noting that more than 90 percent of medicines used in the country are imported, despite the availability of qualified pharmaceutical experts locally.
“Uganda has the capacity to manufacture most of the medicines we import. Pharmacists can produce conventional medicines such as tablets, capsules and injections, and also standardise herbal medicines,” Lutoti said.
He urged political aspirants to commit to tax relief on pharmaceutical manufacturing inputs, including quality control equipment, and to introduce incentives that support local drug producers, saying this would improve medicine availability and reduce costs.
Demand for increased and protected health budget
The society also called on aspirants for presidency, Parliament and local government positions to increase the national health budget and outline strategies to protect it from corruption.
“Our people go to health facilities and find no medicines. Increasing the budget for medicines must be a priority, but so must protecting that budget from misuse,” Lutoti noted.
Shortage of pharmacists across districts
PSU highlighted a critical shortage of pharmacists in public health facilities, revealing that over 70 percent of districts in Uganda lack a pharmacist, a situation the society says fuels medicine wastage, poor drug management and patient safety risks.
“You cannot properly select, quantify or manage medicines in a district without a pharmacist. Yet some general hospitals and district hospitals operate without one,” Lutoti said.
He reminded aspirants that under the public service structure, every general hospital should have a senior pharmacist supported by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, while Health Centre IVs should also have qualified pharmacy personnel.
Welfare of health workers
The society further demanded improved welfare for pharmacists and other health professionals, citing low pay, lack of housing, overwhelming patient loads and poor working conditions as key drivers of low morale and brain drain.
“We want leaders to commit to competitive salaries, overtime pay, housing allowances and clear career progression paths. This is how we retain a motivated health workforce,” Lutoti said.
Antimicrobial resistance and patient safety
PSU warned that failure to deploy pharmacists on the frontline is worsening antimicrobial resistance, as medicines are often misused without expert guidance.
“Medicines can heal or harm depending on how they are used. Pharmacists are the experts who ensure safe and effective use of drugs,” Lutoti emphasised.
Law reform appeal
The society also appealed to political leaders to support a strong regulatory framework, urging Parliament to consider PSU submissions on the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill currently before the House.
“We want a strong law that protects Uganda’s pharmaceutical system. Our submissions should be reflected as this bill is passed into law,” Lutoti said.
PSU said it will support leaders—whether in the current or next government—who commit to boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasing recruitment of pharmacists, improving health worker welfare and strengthening healthcare financing.
