Speaking to the media at Naguru Police Headquarters in Kampala, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said investigations into two recent crashes involving Y.Y Coaches revealed gross driver negligence that authorities can no longer tolerate.
Police have issued a stern warning to long-distance bus companies, stating that drivers who endanger passengers' lives through reckless behaviour risk lifetime driving bans.
Speaking to the media at Naguru Police Headquarters in Kampala, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said investigations into two recent crashes involving Y.Y Coaches revealed gross driver negligence that authorities can no longer tolerate.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on May 5 along the Katosi-Nyenga Road in Buikwe District, where a Y.Y bus overturned and caught fire, killing four people, including two adults and two minors. Another 39 passengers were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Kawolo and St. Charles hospitals. At least three bodies have been identified and handed over to relatives following DNA testing.
A second crash involving another Y.Y bus (registration number UAX 852Y) happened on May 12 along the Aywango stretch of the Pakwach-Arua highway while en route to Yumbe, leaving six people injured. Preliminary investigations again pointed to reckless driving.
In response to the incidents, the Ministry of Works and Transport suspended Y.Y Coaches’ operations and ordered an inspection of the entire fleet. Kituuma said that the Ministry and the Police are working together to ensure that the reinstatement of reckless drivers by companies is stopped. He emphasized that drivers involved in fatal crashes will face permanent driving bans.
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Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura also issued a strong caution to drivers, urging them to respect speed limits, conduct routine servicing, and ensure the mechanical soundness of their vehicles.
“Mechanical failures, such as brake issues, are difficult to detect during enforcement on the road, but drivers must ensure their vehicles are in proper condition before transporting passengers,” Kananura said, noting that mechanical defects, speeding, and dangerous overtaking remain key causes of road crashes.
The urgency of the warnings follows a worrying trend: fatal road crashes increased by 6.1%, from 4,179 in 2023 to 4,434 in 2024. In these incidents, 5,144 people died, up from 4,806 in 2023.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer