Government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport has suspended YY Coaches for 15 days following two serious road crashes, including one in which three people died.
The suspension, effective Tuesday at 7 p.m., was announced by State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama during a press briefing in Kampala.
Citing serious safety violations, the minister noted that the company’s continued operations posed a threat to public safety.
“We are suspending the operations of YY Buses starting from today at 7 p.m. In just two weeks, they have reported two accidents one fatal and another with serious injuries,” Byamukama stated.
According to authorities, the most recent crash occurred in Katosi, where a YY bus overturned and caught fire after the driver, reportedly speeding, attempted to avoid a motorcycle. The accident led to loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property.
“In the Katosi incident, the driver was speeding and attempted to dodge a boda-boda. He lost control, the vehicle overturned and caught fire. Lives were lost, people were injured, and property was destroyed,” Byamukama explained.
In response, the Ministry of Works and Transport has issued a list of mandatory actions that the company must comply with during the suspension.
The requirements include submitting all drivers for medical and competence assessments, surrendering all buses for mechanical inspection, presenting a refresher training program for drivers, and providing driver appointment letters for verification.
The minister warned that the suspension could become indefinite if YY fails to meet at least 40% of the outlined requirements within the 15-day period.
“If YY Bus Company fails to meet at least 40% of the stipulated requirements within the 15-day window, we reserve the right to suspend their operations permanently,” he said.
In addition to the accidents, investigations are now underway into deeper concerns about the company’s operations.
The ministry has received allegations suggesting that some YY buses may have been used to transport illegal items such as waragi.
Further scrutiny has also been triggered by suspicions that certain drivers may have tampered with their age records using court affidavits to remain in service beyond the legally allowed retirement age of 60.
“At that age, drivers are more prone to health complications such as high blood pressure. We advise them to consider alternative work,” said Byamukama.
He emphasized that these new measures come alongside existing legal repercussions, including possible arrests, license cancellations, and long-term bans for drivers found culpable.
“The Ministry’s goal is to ensure public safety and restore discipline in the public transport sector,” Byamukama noted.
