The Ministry of Works and Transport has imposed strict requirements on YY Coaches before it can return to operations following a 15-day suspension prompted by two recent deadly accidents.
The incidents occurred on Katosi Road in Buikwe District and in Ayago Village near Karuma Dam, leading to fatalities and loss of property.
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On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama announced the immediate suspension of all YY Coaches operations, effective from 7:00pm that day.
“We are halting YY Coaches’ services nationwide due to the recent tragedies. The driver involved in the Katosi crash is still missing, and one passenger has yet to be found, although their belongings were recovered,” said Mr. Byamukama.
The minister said a joint task force, including police, has been set up to screen all YY drivers. Only those who pass thorough evaluations will be cleared to resume duty.
Additionally, the company must present all its vehicles for mechanical inspection to confirm they are safe for long-distance travel. They are also required to submit appointment letters for their drivers to verify their qualifications, amid concerns that unqualified personnel might be operating the buses.
YY Coaches must also provide a mandatory driver retraining program before resuming operations.
Byamukama emphasized that bus company owners must also be held accountable, not just the drivers. “Judicial actions often target the driver, yet the operators—who hire, train, and manage them—escape responsibility. This suspension forces companies to reflect on their hiring practices and pay structures,” he said.
He warned that if the company fails to meet at least 40 percent of the requirements within 15 days, a permanent ban could follow.
He further accused some YY drivers of altering their ages in court to stay employed past the retirement age of 65, calling this practice risky, especially given the physical demands of driving.
Government Revives Vehicle Inspection Program
The minister also revealed that the government has taken over seven upcountry automated vehicle inspection centers, previously run by private investors. Inspections had been halted due to high costs, but the president has now directed that the government take full control. Full inspections will resume in July, with enforcement starting in August. All drivers will be required to carry valid inspection certificates.
Passenger Frustration
At the YY Coaches terminal in Kampala, passengers like Brenda Mukhaye expressed frustration after learning of the extended suspension. “We were told it was a three-day suspension, not 15. Now they’re using smaller vehicles carrying 18 people instead of the usual 14, and still charging bus fares,” she said.
Attempts to get a comment from YY Coaches went unanswered. However, Uganda Bus Owners Association chairperson Solomon Nsimire said an investigation is ongoing and a statement will be issued soon.
Crash Findings
According to investigations by the Transport Ministry and police, the Katosi accident was caused by speeding. The driver reportedly swerved to avoid a boda boda, lost control, and overturned. Several passengers died, and property was destroyed in the ensuing fire. Investigators suspect the bus was carrying a banned flammable substance, possibly local alcohol known as ‘Walagi.’
Previous Suspensions of Bus Companies in Uganda
- September 2024: Jaguar Buses suspended for 10 days
- May 2022: Link Bus Company suspended for 3 days
- March 2017: Kalita denied license until relocation
- February 2012: Multiple operators suspended over fatal crashes
Road Safety Statistics
According to Uganda Police’s latest annual crime report, there were 25,107 road crashes in 2024—a 6.4% increase from 2023. Casualties also rose by 4.4% to 25,808. The most dangerous time for road crashes was between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, which also saw the highest number of fatal incidents.
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