School of Pharmacy

It is always a pleasure for me to see new faces, particularly of students, in the School of Pharmacy. You are most welcome. As a fresh member (whether student or staff) of the School, you can take pride in the fact that you have not just become one of the few to be associated with the only School of Pharmacy in Uganda, but have taken a decisive step towards becoming part of an international community of achievers who are exploring the heights.   

The School was established to train pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacologists who are competent enough to meet the growing health challenges of the 21st century. We achieve this through our flagship programs of Bachelor of Pharmacy, Diploma in Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology. We also run a Master of Science (MSc) programme in Pharmacology and recently our curricula for MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control and MPharm Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology were approved. The latter two programmes are expected to start early 2020. Our dedicated team of academic, technical and administrative staff work tirelessly to ensure steady growth in global recognition of our School through innovative teaching and research. Our alumni have attained gainful employment in leading public and private hospitals and pharmaceutical industries such as Cipla-Quality Chemical Industries Ltd, are running successful community pharmacy consultancies, and/or are pursuing postgraduate studies in leading universities within East Africa and beyond.  

Although most of the courses in each of our programs are taught by departments within the School, a number of other courses are handled by departments in other faculties. For instance, basic courses in the first semester of the undergraduate programs are taught by Faculty of Science and Technology while biomedical sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry and physiology are handled by the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. Our programs are delivered through a range of innovative approaches including lectures, PowerPoint presentations, ward rounds, tutorials sessions, and laboratory experiments. We have one of the most specialized and equipped pharmaceutical laboratories in the country.   

In order to enhance learning, our students undertake routine educational tours to nearby field-based sites including biotechnological industries, botanical/natural product centres, and community-based health centres under supervision of our academic staff. All students pursuing diploma or bachelors in pharmacy will rotate in one of the many pharmacies of our teaching hospital (KIU-TH) under supervision of experienced clinical pharmacists. This community engagement approach enables our students to 

appreciate the needs of local communities (community diagnosis) and to devise their solutions through active engagement and innovation.   

Additionally, in order to remain up-to-date with current and emerging trends in the pharmaceutical field, we have memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with many pharmaceutical industries based in Kampala and Mukono where we place our students for several weeks during recess. All our programs are fully accredited by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and are recognized by the various professional bodies such as the Uganda Pharmaceutical Society (PSU) and Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC).   

Finally, I would like to invite all prospective students, parents and guardians to visit our School and learn more about our state-of-the-art facilities and programs. For those who have already been admitted and have joined (or are soon joining) the School of Pharmacy, I wish you a great time here. Take time to explore the Main library and our School's resource centre. Be part of our students' association, KIUPSA. Volunteer for University and School events and expand your network. Fulfill your dreams. Explore the Heights!