In Uganda, the change of a person in charge of a drug shop during the licensing period is regulated by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) and the National Drug Authority (NDA). This process ensures that each licensed drug shop maintains professional supervision and complies with national pharmaceutical standards under the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, CAP 206.
A change may occur when a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or approved dispenser transfers to another workplace or when the ownership wishes to appoint a new in-charge. The new person in charge must be registered with the PSU, possess a valid Certificate of Practice (COP), and hold a Database Identification Number (DIN).
Procedure for Change of Person in Charge of a Drug Shop
- Obtain and complete the changeover application form
Contact the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda to obtain the changeover form. The form must be completed in full and submitted along with the Certificate of Practice (COP) application form as prescribed by PSU. - Attach required documents
Include all supporting documents listed in the “Required Documents” section. Ensure that academic and professional certificates are certified, and the new in-charge’s information matches PSU and NDA records. - Pay the applicable fee
A changeover fee of UGX 50,000 must be paid. Note that the fee applies only if the change occurs within the same licensing year. Changes made from one practice year to the next do not attract this fee. - Submit the application
Submit the duly filled forms and proof of payment to the Pharmaceutical Secretariat. The application must include:- The names and qualifications of both the outgoing and incoming persons in charge.
- Specimen signatures of each staff member to authenticate future documents.
- Verification and processing
PSU will verify the details, ensuring that:- The applicant is a registered or enrolled drug shop attendant.
- The applicant is not under suspension or disciplinary action.
- The applicant has fulfilled the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
- Issuance of permission
Upon successful verification, the PSU will issue a Permission Letter to Change Person in Charge within 30 working days of receiving the application. - Collection of the letter
The applicant can collect the permission letter from the office where the application was submitted.
Required Documents
Applicants must attach the following:
- Duly filled application form for change of drug shop staff.
- Evidence of fee payment (receipt or bank slip).
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates and transcripts.
- Recent passport-size photograph of the new in-charge.
- Workplace identification card.
- Proof that one of the company directors is a registered pharmacist.
- Certified copy of the supervising pharmacist’s registration certificate.
- Commitment letters from both the supervising pharmacist and the new staff.
- Copy of a valid registration/enrollment certificate with the relevant professional body.
- For veterinary drug shops: copy of the certificate of the qualified veterinary professional.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Database Identification Number (DIN) issued by the PSU.
- Be a registered and licensed practitioner authorized to dispense or manage drugs.
- Be formally engaged by a registered drug shop during the current licensing period.
Fees
- Permission Fee: UGX 50,000
- Payable directly to the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda during submission of the application.
Processing Time
The processing of the application takes a maximum of 30 working days after submission.
Validity
The permission to serve as a person in charge of a drug shop remains valid throughout the licensing year. When changing positions again, a fresh application must be submitted.
Contact Information
Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU)
Pharmacy House, Plot 1847 Kyambogo Banda, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 3774, Kampala
Tel: +256 414 348 796 / +256 392 174 280
Email: [email protected]
National Drug Authority (NDA)
Plot 19 Lumumba Avenue (Opposite TWED Plaza), Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 23096, Kampala
Tel: +256 417 788 100
Directorate of Product Safety: +256 417 788 124
Directorate of Inspectorate Services: +256 417 788 129
Email: [email protected]
Website: nda.or.ug
Additional Information
- Any change of staff or in-charge during the year must be reported immediately to the PSU Secretary.
- If a Certificate of Practice is lost, the pharmacist must notify the Council in writing within five (5) days, attach a police letter, and state the certificate’s serial number.
- PSU encourages all pharmacists and drug shop owners to have written contracts defining terms of employment, working hours, remuneration, and termination clauses to prevent disputes.
Purpose of the Procedure
The change of person in charge procedure ensures that drug shops remain under the supervision of qualified, registered professionals, safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with national drug distribution laws.
Other Uses of the Certificate
The permission certificate serves as:
- Proof of authorization for change of staff.
- A regulatory compliance document during audits or inspections.
- A requirement for renewing operating licenses.
- Evidence of professional accountability under NDA and PSU regulations.
