KAMPALA, UGANDA — Jinja South Division East Member of Parliament, Hon. Paul Mwiru, has called for a review of overlapping laws governing education and professional regulation following concerns surrounding the pharmacy programme at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition on the floor of Parliament, Mwiru said the Attorney General had reached the correct conclusion regarding MUST’s pharmacy programme but relied on incorrect legal reasoning.
Mwiru proposed that the Uganda Law Reform Commission review the existing laws governing higher education and professional regulation to address inconsistencies that may create challenges for academic programmes.
He argued that a review of the legal framework would help clarify the relationship between laws governing universities and those regulating professional training, ensuring that institutions operate within a clear and consistent legal environment.
The legislator’s proposal comes amid debate over the legal position of MUST’s pharmacy programme and the interpretation of laws applicable to its training and professional recognition.
During the proceedings, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who represents Ruhinda North, had asked whether interim guidance from the Attorney General could help resolve the matter as amendments to the relevant laws were awaited.
The discussion highlighted the need to address potential conflicts between existing legislation while ensuring that students and institutions are not left uncertain about the legal requirements governing professional courses.
Mwiru’s proposal places emphasis on a comprehensive review of the relevant laws as a possible way of resolving the legal inconsistencies and preventing similar disputes in the future.
The matter now raises broader questions about the coordination of higher education policy, university programmes and professional regulatory requirements, with legislative clarity remaining central to resolving the concerns surrounding MUST’s pharmacy programme.
