
KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a landmark move to ensure fair compensation and elevate professional standards, the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has officially set a new minimum professional fee for all pharmacists in the country.

Effective immediately, following a resolution at its Annual General Meeting on September 26, 2025, the minimum standard pay for a pharmacist in any pharmacy practice setting is UGX 2,000,000 (Two Million Uganda Shillings) net per month.
This directive, communicated in a circular dated September 30, 2025, establishes a baseline for the core remuneration of pharmacists’ expertise. The PSU emphasizes that this professional fee is separate from and should be complemented by additional benefits and allowances, which are subject to individual negotiation or organizational policy.
What the New Minimum Fee Includes and Excludes
The UGX 2,000,000 figure represents the base “net monthly pay.” According to the PSU, this means that the following benefits should be provided on top of this amount:
· Transport Allowances
· Housing Allowances
· Medical Insurance
· Professional Development Grants
· Performance-Based Incentives
· Leave Entitlements (annual, sick leave)
· Retirement or End-of-Contract Benefits
The society states that this resolution is enacted as a byelaw under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act and is grounded in the economic rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
Implementation and Compliance Requirements
The PSU has outlined clear steps for implementation:
- For New & Existing Contracts: All pharmacists are required to provide a copy of their employment contract reflecting adherence to this new standard when applying for their annual membership and practice certificates.
- Amending Old Agreements: Pharmacists who signed contracts before this resolution are strongly advised to review and amend their existing agreements to align with the new minimum pay.
- Engagement with Employers: The PSU encourages its members to proactively engage with their employers or contractors to facilitate the necessary adjustments and has offered guidance for the implementation process.
Compliance is not optional. The PSU has issued a stern warning that any member found accepting remuneration below the stipulated minimum will face suspension from the Society and other disciplinary actions.
A Move for Professionalism and Better Healthcare
Dr. Lutoti Stephen, the Secretary of the PSU, signed the circular, underscoring that the move is crucial for recognizing the expertise and critical services pharmacists provide within Uganda’s healthcare system.
“Standardizing professional fees seeks to recognize the expertise and critical services pharmacists provide in Uganda’s healthcare landscape,” the circular states. The PSU directly links adequate compensation to professional satisfaction, retention, and the quality of service delivery.
The society argues that fair remuneration will lead to enhanced motivation among pharmacists, better patient care, and overall improvements in the nation’s healthcare outcomes.
This resolution represents a significant step by the PSU to secure what it describes as “the highest practicable standards in pharmacy practice” across Uganda, ensuring the community benefits from the profession’s exceptional knowledge and expertise.