The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has congratulated Dr. Margret Naluyima on her appointment by President Yoweri Museveni as Senior Presidential Advisor on Pharmacy, describing the move as a historic elevation of pharmacy to the highest level of national policy and decision-making.
In a statement signed by PSU Secretary Dr. Lutoti Stephen, the professional body said the appointment represents a significant recognition of the strategic role of medicines in Uganda’s health system, economy and national security.
“This historic appointment is a bold statement of intent by government,” PSU said, noting that it is the first time pharmacy has been elevated to such a high level of policy and decision-making.
According to the society, medicines should no longer be viewed merely as commodities but as strategic national assets critical to health security, industrialisation and economic sovereignty.
Appointment Comes at Critical Time
PSU said Dr. Naluyima’s new office comes at a critical time as Uganda seeks to strengthen its pharmaceutical sector amid global supply-chain disruptions and increasing demand for essential medicines and health products.
The society said the position provides much-needed policy leadership to improve coordination across the health, trade, investment and industrial sectors as Uganda implements the National Development Plan III, prepares for NDP IV and positions itself within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
PSU also believes the office can play a key role in advancing Uganda’s ambition of becoming more self-reliant in the production of pharmaceuticals and other essential health products.
Push for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The professional body pledged to work closely with Dr. Naluyima’s office to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing and support the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” agenda.
PSU said it would also support efforts to address fragmentation in pharmaceutical regulation and strengthen coordination among government agencies responsible for the sector.
Other priorities identified by the society include tackling barriers to access to medicines, persistent stock-outs and the proliferation of substandard medicines.
The society further called for greater recognition of pharmacists within Uganda’s public health structure and investment in developing a skilled pharmacy workforce capable of competing regionally and globally.
Strengthening Regulation
PSU said the new office presents an opportunity to strengthen regulatory institutions so that they can effectively enforce standards, attract responsible investment and protect public health without creating unnecessary regulatory barriers.
The society expressed optimism that stronger policy coordination could help transform Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry from one heavily dependent on imports into a regional manufacturing and supply hub.
“This appointment gives the pharmacy profession and the public renewed hope,” PSU said, expressing confidence that Dr. Naluyima’s stewardship could help Uganda transition from being a net importer of pharmaceutical products to a regional pharmaceutical hub.
PSU Pledges Support
PSU pledged its full technical, professional and advocacy support to the new office, saying pharmacists are ready to contribute to the implementation of policies aimed at improving access, quality and availability of medicines in Uganda.
The society wished Dr. Naluyima wisdom, strength and success as she takes on what it described as a vital national mandate.
“We stand ready to serve,” Dr. Lutoti Stephen said on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda.
