By Chipo Brenda
The newly inaugurated fifth Pharmacy Board of Uganda will continue its crucial role under the Pharmacy and Drug Act of 1971. Led by newly appointed Chair Dr. Henry Mwebesa, who also serves as the Director General of Health Services, the board regulates pharmaceutical practices and manages medicines.
The members, including Dr. Mwebesa, were sworn in for a three-year term, with the oath administered by His Worship Ayebare Tumwebaze. During the ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Tumwebaze highlighted the oath’s significance as both a legal and moral commitment. He emphasized that it requires members to perform their duties to the best of their ability, with divine assistance. “The oath is a declaration to your God, pledging to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to you,” he stated, warning that failing to adhere could lead to serious legal consequences.
Minister of General Duties at the Ministry of Health, Hanifa Kawooya, addressed the new board, urging them to confidently enhance the pharmaceutical profession in Uganda while emphasizing teamwork and integrity. “You must ensure that the standards you set today will be a milestone for future boards,” she said, reminding them of their vital role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines. “Every person has the right to receive proper medical care,” Kawooya added, cautioning that breaches of the oath could lead to prosecution.
The new nine-member board, along with a registrar, is responsible for overseeing pharmacy education, registering pharmacists, and addressing any misconduct within the profession. The Minister and board members were also briefed on the recent gazetting of pharmacies, aimed at updating and verifying the registration of all pharmacies in Uganda.
Dr. Mwebesa pledged to uphold professionalism and continue the registration process for pharmacies, expressing gratitude to the Minister for their appointments to the Joint Council of the four professions. Currently, there are 1,061 registered pharmacies in Uganda, reflecting progress made with the new gazette.
