New 5th pharmacy board of Uganda sworn in; Minister Kawooya emphasises oath’s significance

11 September 2024, 4:21 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The new Pharmacy Board of Uganda was officially inaugurated, continuing its essential role under the Pharmacy and Drug Act of 1971. This board, which regulates pharmaceutical practices and manages medicines, is now led by the newly appointed Chair, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, who also serves as the Director General of Health Services. The board 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, His Worship Tumwebaze provided an insightful explanation of the oath’s significance. He emphasised that the oath is both a legal and moral commitment, rooted in the belief that one must perform their duties to the best of their ability, with divine assistance. “The oath is a declaration made to your God, pledging to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to you,” Tumwebaze said. He highlighted that failing to adhere to the oath can have serious legal consequences, including prosecution. “You must live by that promise. Breaching it becomes a crime,” he warned, stressing the importance of understanding and respecting the oath’s gravity.

Minister of General Duties at the Ministry of Health, Hanifa Kawooya, also addressed the new board members. She expressed confidence in their ability to enhance the pharmaceutical profession in Uganda and stressed the importance of teamwork and integrity. “You must ensure that the standards you set today will be a milestone for future boards,” Kawooya emphasised. She reminded the members of their pivotal role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines. “Every person has the right to receive proper medical care,” she said, underscoring the board’s responsibility in safeguarding this right. “You must live by that promise. When you fail, when you breach the oath, it becomes a crime. You can be prosecuted and sent to Israel for some time for refusing to abide by the oath that you have taken,” the Minister added.

The new nine-member board, plus a registrar, is tasked with overseeing pharmacy education, registering pharmacists, and addressing any misconduct within the profession. The Minister and board members were also informed about the recent gazetting of pharmacies, which aims to update and verify the registration of all pharmacies in the country.

Incoming Chairperson Dr. Mwebesa pledged to ensure professionalism and to continue registering all pharmacies, a process already underway. He expressed gratitude to the Minister, stating, “Thank you, Honorable Minister, for appointing and reappointing us to the Joint Council of the four professions. I appreciate your presence here today, despite your busy schedule. Your commitment to our cause, as well as to other medical boards, health sectors, hospitals, and institutions across the country, is truly valued. I’m grateful for your dedication to our work, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.” He also noted that there are currently 1,061 registered pharmacies, reflecting the progress made in the new gazette.