State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, has announced a 15-day suspension of YY Coaches following two separate road crashes, one of which claimed three lives.
He emphasized that the company’s return to the road will depend on strict compliance with safety regulations.
Speaking to the media in Kampala, Byamukama expressed deep concern about Uganda’s road safety record, particularly in long-distance travel.
“The road is not safe,” he said. “Over-speeding has become a silent killer. Most of these crashes we are registering, like the one in Katosi and another in Ayago near Karuma, have been caused by excessive speed.”
The minister revealed that in the Katosi incident still involving the YY coach, “the driver, who was already speeding, tried to dodge a boda boda and lost control. The vehicle overturned and caught fire. People died. Others were injured. Property and money were lost.”
He further disclosed that preliminary investigations by the Transport Regulation Unit and Uganda Police suggested the bus might have been carrying flammable liquids.
“There is information that this bus had some liquids suspected to be waragi. If this turns out true, it is a gross violation because carrying such substances is prohibited,” he noted.
Byamukama announced several mandatory conditions YY Coaches must meet before resuming operations.
“They must take all their drivers for testing, bring all buses for inspection, present appointment letters to prove the identities of the drivers, and provide refresher training schedules,” he said.
He warned that if the company fails to meet at least 40% of these requirements, “we may consider suspending them permanently.”
On road conditions, the minister acknowledged the challenge of potholes but said they are not the main cause of most accidents. “Potholes contribute about 20 percent. Overspeeding and poor vehicle maintenance remain the biggest culprits.”
Byamukama also addressed growing concerns about the behavior of some transport operators.
“We are investigating cases where some YY drivers have gone to court to fight medical fitness standards, trying to lower the required age limit for drivers. We say when you’re 65 and above, it’s safer to retire from driving buses.” He said
He added that recent administrative penalties had significantly improved driver discipline.
“We used to have terrible accidents every two weeks. Now, the number has reduced. We’ve banned some drivers for life, even when they still have valid permits.”
Despite the YY ban affecting several northern and eastern routes, the minister assured the public that transport alternatives remain available.
“There are many other companies operating on the same routes. If need be, the government will step in to assist travelers.” he stated
On a lighter note, Byamukama defended the use of tukutukus (tricycles), saying they meet safety standards and were vetted before being allowed on Ugandan roads.
“Their size, lights, and indicators are designed for visibility and safe use. Even the UN was consulted before their approval.”