Five conditions YY Coaches must fulfil before resuming operations
State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama announced the suspension and directed the company to cease operations. PHOTO/IBRAHIM KAVUMA
What you need to know:
The suspension follows two fatal accidents, one on Katosi Road in Buikwe District and another in Ayago Village near Karuma Dam, which resulted in loss of lives and property.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has imposed stringent conditions on YY Coaches if the bus company is to resume operations following a 15-day suspension.
The suspension follows two fatal accidents, one on Katosi Road in Buikwe District and another in Ayago Village near Karuma Dam, which resulted in loss of lives and property.
On Tuesday May 13, 2025, State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama announced the suspension and directed the company to cease operations by 7pm that evening.
“We are suspending the operations of YY Coaches across the country due to the recent accidents. In the Katosi incident, the driver is still on the run and one passenger remains missing, although their luggage has been identified,” Mr Byamukama said.
The Minister said a joint team has been formed with the police to ensure all YY drivers undergo thorough evaluation as a prerequisite for resuming work.
“They must also present their buses for mechanical inspection to confirm roadworthiness, particularly for long-distance travel,” he added.
YY Coaches has also been instructed to submit appointment letters of their drivers to verify that only accredited and qualified individuals are on duty. Authorities suspect that unqualified drivers may have been added to the company’s roster.
“They must also submit a refresher training schedule for their drivers. These are mandatory requirements before we allow them to return to the roads,” Mr Byamukama said.
He explained that the ministry is imposing tougher measures because judicial penalties, such as arresting and charging reckless drivers, often exclude the bus owners, yet these owners manage operations and bear responsibility.
“Suspending operations forces bus owners to review their employment terms and ensure proper remuneration to prevent such tragedies,” he said.
Mr Byamukama warned that if YY Coaches fails to meet at least 40 percent of the requirements within the 15-day period, they risk permanent suspension.
“We constantly engage public transporters and carry out inspections, but these are private entities run by human beings, there are always gaps,” he added.
The Minister also accused some YY drivers of manipulating the legal system by lowering their age in court after reaching the retirement age of 65.
“At that age, most people begin to experience health issues, which is dangerous for a job like driving. We advise them to retire and pursue other ventures,” he said.
Government Resumes Inspections
Mr Byamukama also revealed that the government has taken over seven upcountry automated motor vehicle inspection centres that were previously run by private investors.
“The inspection exercise was initially halted due to high charges. However, the President directed the ministry to source funds and pay the investor so the government could assume control,” he said.
General vehicle inspection is expected to resume in July, with enforcement beginning in early August. All drivers will be required to carry a valid inspection certificate.
Stranded Passengers
Brenda Mukhaye, who was stranded at the YY Coaches terminal in Kampala, said she was shocked to learn of the suspension while preparing to travel to Mbale.
“They told us the buses were suspended for three days, which contradicts the government’s 15-day suspension,” she said.
She added that the company had resorted to using smaller vehicles, such as drones, which has caused inconvenience. “These vehicles are carrying 18 passengers instead of the usual 14, yet we’re still paying bus fares.”
Efforts to reach YY Coaches management were unsuccessful. However, Uganda Bus Owners Association (UBOA) chairman Solomon Nsimire said the association is still investigating the matter and plans to release a statement today.
Katosi Accident
According to the transport ministry’s investigations conducted jointly with the Uganda Police Traffic Department, overspeeding was the main cause of the Katosi accident.
“In that incident, the driver was speeding and tried to swerve to avoid a boda boda rider. He lost control, and the bus overturned. Several passengers died, and others lost property in the fire,” Mr Byamukama said.
He also revealed that the bus may have been transporting a flammable liquid, suspected to be local brew (‘Walagi’), which is prohibited on public transport.
Recent Bus Suspensions in Uganda
September 2024: Jaguar Bus Company suspended for 10 days.
May 2022: Link Bus Company suspended for 3 days.
March 2017: Kalita Transporters denied operator’s license until relocation.
August 2014: Buses with unlicensed drivers barred from registration.
February 2012: Kaliita, Zawadi, Kampala Hopper, and Kasamba buses suspended over accidents.
January 2012: Gaagaa Bus suspended following fatal crashes.
Road Crash Statistics
According to the latest annual crime report by the Uganda Police, 25,107 road crashes were recorded in 2024, marking a 6.4% increase from 2023. There were 25,808 casualties in 2024, up from 24,728 in 2023, a 4.4% rise.
The highest number of crashes (3,780) occurred between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, the same time period also recorded the highest number of fatal crashes (894).
