Dr Jonans Tusiimire is an academic pharmacist, researcher and president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU). He is also a senior lecturer and deputy dean at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), where his reported appointment as acting pharmacy head has placed him at the centre of a dispute over professional recognition of the university’s Bachelor of Pharmacy programme.
Daily Monitor reported on 20 October 2026 that MUST had appointed him for three months, effective 19 October. The position is an acting assignment, rather than a permanent departmental appointment.
Who is Jonans Tusiimire? Jonans Tusiimire is a pharmacist and academic whose career includes university leadership, pharmaceutical research and professional-body service. He is PSU president and a MUST senior lecturer and deputy dean. In October 2026, MUST reported appointing him acting head of pharmacy following a dispute about the programme’s professional recognition.
A researcher trained at Strathclyde
Tusiimire’s scientific background includes doctoral work at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. The university’s doctoral thesis record gives an award date of 11 August 2016 for his study of bee venom and its fractions in cosmetic science and immunology.
The project examined biological activity and possible applications, including cosmetic formulations and immune-related research. It combined laboratory analysis with experiments on venom components. This was research into potential uses, not an announcement of an approved medical treatment.
That background places his academic work within pharmaceutical analysis and the evaluation of biologically active substances. It also helps explain the research element of a career more recently visible through university management and professional representation.
University leadership before the current dispute
His administrative experience extends beyond MUST. In a 17 March 2020 announcement, Kampala International University said it had appointed him assistant deputy vice-chancellor for academics and research at its Western Campus.
The announcement described him as a senior lecturer who had served as dean of KIU’s School of Pharmacy for the preceding three years. It emphasised mentoring and student performance as part of his work at the school. Those were the university’s assessments of his record, rather than independent rankings of his personal performance.
BIOGRAPHY
Who Is Jonans Tusiimire? MUST Pharmacist and PSU President
Oct 21, 2026
Oct 21, 2026
6 min read
Published
Updated:
Dr Jonans Tusiimire is an academic pharmacist, researcher and president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU). He is also a senior lecturer and deputy dean at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), where his reported appointment as acting pharmacy head has placed him at the centre of a dispute over professional recognition of the university’s Bachelor of Pharmacy programme.
Daily Monitor reported on 20 October 2026 that MUST had appointed him for three months, effective 19 October. The position is an acting assignment, rather than a permanent departmental appointment.
Who is Jonans Tusiimire? Jonans Tusiimire is a pharmacist and academic whose career includes university leadership, pharmaceutical research and professional-body service. He is PSU president and a MUST senior lecturer and deputy dean. In October 2026, MUST reported appointing him acting head of pharmacy following a dispute about the programme’s professional recognition.
A researcher trained at Strathclyde
Tusiimire’s scientific background includes doctoral work at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. The university’s doctoral thesis record gives an award date of 11 August 2016 for his study of bee venom and its fractions in cosmetic science and immunology.
The project examined biological activity and possible applications, including cosmetic formulations and immune-related research. It combined laboratory analysis with experiments on venom components. This was research into potential uses, not an announcement of an approved medical treatment.
That background places his academic work within pharmaceutical analysis and the evaluation of biologically active substances. It also helps explain the research element of a career more recently visible through university management and professional representation.
ADVERTISEMENT
University leadership before the current dispute
His administrative experience extends beyond MUST. In a 17 March 2020 announcement, Kampala International University said it had appointed him assistant deputy vice-chancellor for academics and research at its Western Campus.
The announcement described him as a senior lecturer who had served as dean of KIU’s School of Pharmacy for the preceding three years. It emphasised mentoring and student performance as part of his work at the school. Those were the university’s assessments of his record, rather than independent rankings of his personal performance.
The sequence is significant: his current acting assignment follows experience in both departmental teaching and wider academic administration. His responsibilities have involved the organisation of training as well as research itself.
Professional service in Uganda and the Commonwealth
PSU’s council page lists Tusiimire as president in its membership record dated 25 March 2025. Current October reporting also identifies him in that position.
The society describes its council’s responsibilities as including qualifying examinations, pharmacy training, student registration and professional standards. These responsibilities explain why the university dispute has consequences beyond an internal staffing decision.
Tusiimire has also held a Commonwealth role. The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association’s leadership announcement introduced him as vice-president, drawing attention to his academic and research experience. Its council biography records his vice-presidential service from 2022 to 2024.
That position is part of his previous record. It should be distinguished from his current PSU presidency and university responsibilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Why his MUST appointment is consequential
Nile Post’s account of MUST’s 20 October letter says the university appointed him after PSU withdrew recognition of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme over staffing and leadership concerns.
MUST explained that an earlier departure had left a leadership gap. It said the new acting appointment and planned recruitment would help address those difficulties. Tusiimire’s role as both university academic and PSU president makes the distinction between personal responsibilities and institutional decisions particularly relevant.
His appointment does not itself establish that PSU has restored recognition. Academic accreditation, the professional body’s position and the arrangements for students’ progression remain separate questions in the dispute.
Milestones in his public record
Year | Event | Significance |
2016 | Doctoral award recorded at Strathclyde | Established research training in pharmaceutical science |
2020 | KIU announced his assistant deputy vice-chancellor appointment | Expanded his academic-management responsibilities |
2022–2024 | Served as CPA vice-president | Took on Commonwealth professional representation |
2025 | Listed as PSU president in the March council record | Led Uganda’s professional society |
2026 | Reported acting pharmacy-head appointment at MUST | Entered a department facing a recognition dispute |
Personal and family information
In his 2016 thesis acknowledgements, Tusiimire thanked his wife and children for supporting his studies. That is a historical account of family life, rather than confirmation of every current personal detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jonans Tusiimire a pharmacist?
Yes. Institutional and professional-body accounts identify him as an academic pharmacist with teaching, research and leadership experience.
Trending Now
Popular Today
ADVERTISEMENT
What is his role at MUST?
He is a senior lecturer and deputy dean. October reporting says he was appointed acting head of pharmacy for three months, effective 19 October 2026.
Is he president of PSU?
Yes. PSU’s council record lists him as president, and current reporting identifies him in that role.
Where did he complete his doctorate?
Strathclyde records his doctoral award in 2016. His thesis examined bee venom and its fractions in relation to cosmetic science and immunology.
Did he work at KIU?
Yes. KIU’s 2020 announcement records his appointment as assistant deputy vice-chancellor for academics and research after serving as pharmacy dean.
Does his appointment resolve the MUST dispute?
It addresses departmental leadership, but does not itself amount to a decision restoring PSU recognition. Further institutional clarification is needed for students’ professional progression.
Related reading: Stephen Asiimwe’s research and training work linked to MUST.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
