Business 15 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Legal Hurdle Blocks Pharmacists' Minimum Wage Push in Uganda
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda's (PSU) attempt to enforce a Shs 2 million monthly minimum fee for pharmacists has been ruled illegal by the Solicitor General's office, sparking debate on professional bodies' authority. This decision underscores limits on wage-setting powers outside parliamentary legislation. Source: https://observer.ug/news/pharmacists-minimum-wage-plan-hits-legal-wall
A bold move by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) to establish a minimum monthly professional fee of Shs 2 million for pharmacists in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics has hit a major legal snag.
The initiative aimed to standardize salaries and boost welfare but drew sharp criticism from the Uganda Pharmacy Owners Association, prompting a legal review.
In a letter dated April 1, 2026, Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma informed the PSU president that the directive exceeds the society’s mandate, labeling it ‘ultra vires’ and an unlawful attempt at legislation.
The opinion stresses that minimum wages fall under parliamentary authority, not professional codes of conduct, which are limited to regulating ethics and practice.
Pharmacists who supported the change now face uncertainty, as the PSU had threatened suspensions for those accepting lower pay and urged contract amendments.
This case highlights tensions between improving worker pay and adhering to legal boundaries, potentially affecting how other professional groups like lawyers and engineers handle standards.
While the PSU directive hangs in limbo, it reignites discussions on fair compensation in Uganda’s pharmacy sector and the role of professional associations.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)