Questions of Conflict of Interest Arise as PSU Targets Victoria University Amid Former Dean’s Bitter Exit
New allegations of potential conflicts of interest have emerged in the escalating dispute between the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) and Victoria University, adding another layer of controversy to a regulatory standoff that has already placed hundreds of pharmacy students in uncertainty.
The latest claims centre on PSU Secretary-General Dr Stephen Lutoti, whose past relationship with Victoria University has become a focal point of public debate following the Society’s decision to issue the university a seven-day ultimatum over its Bachelor of Pharmacy programme.
Critics of the PSU’s action argue that the regulator’s tough stance warrants closer scrutiny given Dr Lutoti’s former role at the institution. According to individuals familiar with the university’s history, Dr Lutoti previously served as Head of Department for Pharmacy before later becoming Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Questions have been raised over whether that history could create a perceived conflict of interest as PSU pursues enforcement action against the institution.
The controversy comes amid criticism of what some stakeholders describe as a mismatch between regulatory urgency and administrative timelines. Victoria University is reported to have requested a formal inspection more than a year ago as part of efforts to secure approval for a higher student intake. Critics argue that regulators took no decisive action for months before abruptly issuing a compliance ultimatum.
Supporters of the university have questioned why concerns over enrolment numbers were not addressed earlier if they were deemed serious enough to warrant sanctions.
According to sources close to the matter, Dr. Lutoti’s relationship with Victoria University is deeply complicated by his unceremonious departure from the institution. Having initially joined as the Head of Department for Pharmacy, Dr. Lutoti helped establish the program, secure its foundational accreditation, and eventually rose to serve as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
However, insiders reveal that his tenure came to an abrupt end when he was dismissed by the university management over proven incompetence and an inability to fulfill his core administrative duties. Ever since his termination, Dr. Lutoti has allegedly harbored a deep-seated resentment toward the university administration.
The personal animosity reportedly extends beyond his administrative exit into his commercial pursuits as a pharmaceutical inventor. Dr. Lutoti previously developed and marketed two local concoctions: “Elcoff,” marketed as a remedy for cough and fever, and “Elenjoy,” positioned as a herbal sexual arousal supplement for men and women.
Following the underwhelming performance and eventual market failure of both products, Dr. Lutoti reportedly laid blame on Victoria University, convincing himself that institutional sabotage contributed to their demise.
Neither PSU nor Dr Lutoti had publicly responded to the specific conflict-of-interest allegations at the time of writing.
Legal and higher education analysts say the dispute underscores the importance of ensuring that professional regulators maintain both actual independence and the appearance of impartiality.
“When questions of personal interest arise, transparency becomes essential,” said one higher education stakeholder familiar with the matter. “The public must have confidence that regulatory decisions are based solely on standards, evidence and the law.”
The growing controversy has prompted calls for the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and other relevant authorities to play a more active role in resolving the standoff and establishing the facts surrounding the dispute.
Stakeholders argue that the outcome carries implications beyond a single institution. Uganda continues to face shortages in critical health professions, with pharmacy training viewed as an important component of expanding the country’s healthcare workforce.
As pressure mounts on both the regulator and the university, attention is shifting from questions of compliance alone to broader concerns about transparency, accountability and whether personal interests may have influenced a dispute with significant consequences for students and the health sector.
For now, what is certain is that demands are growing for an independent review that can determine whether the actions taken against Victoria University were driven solely by regulatory concerns or whether other factors played a role.
