Scientists Threaten Strike Over Pharmacist-Only Clause in Drug Bill

By Skika Reporter

A group of scientists under the National Union of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacy Workers’ Uganda (NUPAPWU) has issued a warning of a nationwide strike if Parliament does not revise contentious provisions in the National Drugs and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025.

In a statement dated April 15, the scientists—drawn from fields including pharmaceutical science, industrial chemistry, and microbiology—said they are prepared to withdraw their labour within three months if their concerns are not addressed.

At the center of the dispute is Clause 31 of the Bill, which assigns the supervision of drug and health product manufacturing exclusively to pharmacists. The scientists argue that this provision unfairly sidelines other qualified professionals capable of performing the same role.

The union said the planned industrial action would be a lawful response to what it described as an ongoing labour dispute affecting professional practice, employment opportunities, and recognition of scientific expertise within the pharmaceutical sector.

Concerns Over Exclusion

According to NUPAPWU, the clause risks undermining job security and limiting the participation of highly trained scientists in Uganda’s growing pharmaceutical industry. The group maintains that restricting supervisory roles to pharmacists ignores the multidisciplinary nature of drug manufacturing.

The Bill, which was passed by Parliament on March 26, seeks to strengthen regulation of medicines and health-related products by establishing a more robust oversight authority.

However, NUPAPWU General Secretary Baker Agaba warned that failure to amend the clause could weaken the country’s capacity for local drug production and innovation.

While acknowledging the important role played by pharmacists, Agaba said the law, as currently framed, excludes other competent professionals such as industrial chemists and microbiologists who are essential to the manufacturing process.

Calls for Reconsideration

The union says it raised its concerns during stakeholder consultations, but these were not incorporated into the final draft, leaving what it considers significant gaps in the legislation.

Last month, the group also petitioned the President to decline assent to the Bill unless the disputed provisions are reviewed.

With the clock now ticking toward a potential strike, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to revisit the clause and address concerns from within the scientific community.