The Ugandan government has suspended the operations of Nile Star Bus Company for 30 days following a crash on the Arua-Karuma highway that killed seven people and injured 13 others.
The suspension, announced by State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama, took effect on Wednesday evening. Authorities said the decision was prompted by what they described as a worrying pattern of road accidents involving the company.
According to the minister, Nile Star buses have been involved in multiple crashes over the past year, resulting in at least 11 deaths and dozens of injuries.
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The latest accident happened on Monday night in Purongo Town Council, Nwoya District, when a Nile Star bus collided with a truck transporting fish from South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Officials said the bus driver, identified as 64-year-old Mandela Kasimu, had previously lost his job with another transport company over allegations linked to alcohol consumption and reckless driving.
Mr Byamukama said passengers on the bus had reportedly raised concerns about the driver’s condition and speeding before the crash, but their warnings were ignored.
The government has also directed the company to compensate families affected by accidents involving its buses within the past year.
The minister further called for stricter action against errant drivers, including the permanent cancellation of licences for those found guilty of dangerous conduct.
Nile Star buses mainly operate routes between Kampala and the West Nile region.
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