KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Ministry of Works and Transport has imposed a 15-day suspension on the operations of Y.Y Coaches across all its routes, effective Tuesday, May 13, following a series of severe road accidents involving the company’s buses.
The suspension was announced after a meeting between ministry officials and the management of Y.Y Coaches, during which the government conveyed its serious concerns regarding the company’s safety standards and the conduct of its drivers.
In a letter signed by the State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, the ministry identified two recent fatal crashes as primary reasons for the decision.
“The ministry is deeply concerned about the recent series of accidents involving your buses,” Byamukama wrote.
The first incident occurred on May 5, 2025, when a Y.Y Coaches bus (registration number UAV 701C) crashed in Najja village, Buikwe district, along the Kampala–Katosi–Jinja highway.
This crash resulted in three fatalities, and preliminary investigations suggested driver negligence as a contributing factor. The driver involved remains at large.
The second accident involved another Y.Y Coaches bus (registration number UAX 852F), en route from Kampala to Yumbe.
This bus collided with another vehicle at Ayango on the Pakwach–Arua highway after the driver reportedly attempted a reckless overtake and lost control.
“These two crashes point to recklessness by your drivers and a failure in the company’s operational management,” Byamukama noted.
As part of the suspension, the ministry has mandated that Y.Y Coaches fully cooperate with ongoing investigations and implement comprehensive safety reforms.
The company is required to:
- Present all its buses for re-inspection by a joint team from the Uganda Police Force (Directorate of Traffic) and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
- Produce the drivers involved in the two accidents for further action by the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety.
- Submit a complete list of all its drivers, along with their appointment letters and driver badges.
- Provide a schedule of refresher training and evidence of drivers who have undergone such training in the past year.
Additionally, the ministry has directed Y.Y Coaches to issue a public statement explaining the recent incidents and detailing the safety measures being implemented to prevent future occurrences.
The 15-day suspension aims to enforce accountability and ensure that public transport operators prioritize the safety of passengers.