PSU, Abacus strengthen partnership in pharmacy training, scholarships and local manufacturing
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) and Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited have strengthened their partnership to expand pharmacy scholarships, enhance industrial skills development and boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) Council has engaged Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited (APDL) members pose for a group photo. (Courtesy)
_______________ The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) Council has engaged Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited (APDL) during the meeting. (Courtesy)
The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) Council has engaged Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited (APDL) to strengthen collaboration in pharmacy education, scholarships, industrial skills development, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.
The engagement took place on October 23, 2026, at Abacus’s head office in Nakawa, following an invitation by Group Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Babu.
Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited is East Africa’s largest manufacturer of sterile injectables and parenteral fluids. The company operates a modern 11,500-square-metre facility on a 36-acre campus in Uganda and is a key player in the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
Since 2008, Abacus has supported more than 70 pharmacy students through its scholarship programme, helping them pursue their studies and develop the skills needed to contribute to the sector.
Under the expanded arrangement, Abacus will increase its annual undergraduate scholarship intake from 20 to 25 students. The support will also accommodate students in the fifth year of the new pharmacy curriculum and first-year students.
“Two additional postgraduate scholarships will support priority specialties, including pharmaceutical production, quality assurance and clinical pharmacy fields such as oncology,” Tusiimire said.
The scholarship programme will cover students from four public universities: Makerere University, Mbarara University, Busitema University and Gulu University.
Abacus also committed to prioritising its scholars for industrial placements and employment opportunities after graduation, enabling them to gain practical experience and develop skills relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
The two partners further agreed to organise biennial gatherings for current and former Abacus scholars to strengthen professional networks and foster continued engagement.
“In addition, students and pharmacy professionals will receive priority consideration for industrial skills development and exchange programmes with Abacus partner manufacturing companies worldwide. The initiative aims to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and expertise,” Tusiimire said.
He also outlined his vision for expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing in Uganda and increasing exports to Ethiopia, West Africa and other international markets.
Babu reaffirmed his commitment to skills development and closer collaboration with PSU, highlighting the importance of building local expertise to support the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
The strengthened partnership is expected to improve access to pharmacy education, equip graduates with industry-relevant skills and contribute to the expansion of Uganda’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
PSU presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Babu and his team. (Courtesy)
In recognition of Abacus’s contribution to the pharmaceutical sector in Uganda and East Africa over more than three decades, PSU presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Babu and his team.
The student fraternity also expressed gratitude to Abacus and PSU for their continued support through the scholarship programme.