The Nile Star Bus Company has indefinitely suspended all passenger transport services following two major accidents within a fortnight, a move that has intensified public concern over road safety along northern Uganda’s highways.
The company’s decision, announced on Thursday, 6th November, 2025, comes a day after one of its buses overturned along the Gulu–Kampala Highway in Kiryandongo District, leaving several passengers injured.
The latest crash occurred barely two weeks after a deadly accident on 22nd October, which claimed 46 lives, prompting calls for tighter regulation of long-distance transport services.
In a statement issued by the company’s parent firm, Nile Star Trade Link Limited, management said the suspension was part of an ‘ongoing operational review and restructuring process’ aimed at enhancing passenger safety and service delivery.
“Passenger transport services will remain suspended effective 6th November, 2025. However, parcel and luggage delivery operations will continue as normal,” the bus company stated.
The latest crash has reignited public outrage and fear among travelers.
Social media was abuzz with reactions, including a post by journalist and road safety advocate Joseph Beyanga (Joe Walker), who wrote; “Another Nile Star on the ground! Wishing a quick recovery to the injured,’’ Beyanga said.
“Thankfully, no fatalities were reported in this incident,” he added.
Following the suspension, many passengers are reportedly turning to other transport companies such as YY Coaches and Link Bus, as confidence in Nile Star’s safety record dwindles.
The accidents have once again spotlighted vehicle maintenance standards, driver fatigue, and enforcement of safety regulations on Uganda’s highways, particularly those connecting Kampala to the West Nile region, one of the busiest and most accident-prone routes in the country.
For now, Nile Star’s passenger fleet remains grounded as internal investigations continue.
The company urged affected customers to reach out to its customer service desk for assistance and promised to provide further updates upon completion of its operational review.
