The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, has imposed a 15-day suspension on YY Coaches and Courier Services, effective Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

This decision follows two fatal accidents involving the company’s buses within a week, raising serious concerns about reckless driving and the company’s overall safety practices.

The suspension comes after the occurrence of two tragic incidents involving YY Coaches vehicles. On May 5, 2025, a bus with registration number UAV 701C overturned and burst into flames at Najj village, Buikwe District. The police confirmed three passengers died in the accident, with several others suffering various degrees of injury.

Just days later, another accident occurred at Ayango on the Pakwach-Arua Highway. The driver of the bus, registration number UAX 852F, lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, resulting in a serious crash.

Both incidents have raised red flags regarding YY Coaches’ safety standards and driver conduct. This marks the fourth suspension of the company in recent years, highlighting ongoing issues in its operations and safety protocols.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, confirmed that during the 15-day suspension, authorities will conduct a thorough review of the company’s operations.

The investigation will focus on several critical areas, including driver badges and permits, driver schedules, training history, and whether aged or under-qualified drivers are being employed. Furthermore, the company’s fleet will be inspected to ensure all vehicles meet the necessary safety and maintenance standards.

“The buses’ operations may resume after a full review,” Byamukama stated. “We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards, and we will take all necessary actions to ensure that the operations are safe for passengers.”

The recent accidents underscore a deeper, systemic problem with safety in Uganda’s public transport sector. While YY Coaches is one of the largest operators in the country, smaller bus companies have also come under scrutiny for similar safety concerns.

Road safety experts are urging the government to implement more stringent regulations across the entire sector to reduce road traffic accidents, which continue to be a significant cause of injury and death in Uganda.

“These accidents are deeply concerning, but they’re part of a wider trend,” said John Kasaija, a road safety expert with the Uganda Transport Association. “Without rigorous oversight, we will continue to see preventable incidents that endanger the public.”

The Ministry of Works and Transport has assured the public that, during the suspension period, it will work closely with YY Coaches to ensure that the company addresses all identified issues, and a follow-up inspection will determine whether YY Coaches can resume operations safely, but authorities have made it clear that passenger safety will be the top priority.

As investigations continue, there are growing calls for the government to adopt a more proactive approach to monitoring bus companies and ensuring compliance with safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.