The State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, has ordered an immediate suspension of all Nilestar bus operations in Uganda following a series of deadly accidents, including the most recent crash in Nwoya district that left seven passengers dead.
Addressing the media on May 6, Minister Byamukama announced that the suspension of Nilestar buses comes in the wake of mounting concerns over passenger safety. The decision follows an accident on May 4, where bus registration number UBP736U, operated by Nilestar, overturned in Nwoya district while en route to Kampala. Preliminary reports from the police revealed that the driver, Kasim Mandela Abugo, was intoxicated and driving recklessly, causing the tragedy.
Byamukama revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Over the past year, from May 2025 to date, Nilestar buses have been involved in 11 separate accidents, resulting in a staggering toll of 91 fatalities and 56 serious injuries. These figures prompted government action, as the repeated incidents raised alarm over Nilestar’s safety standards and operational practices.
The minister said the suspension will remain in effect until further investigations are conducted, and Nilestar will be required to cooperate fully with the authorities. “We cannot allow passengers’ lives to be put at risk by neglect of safety measures,” Byamukama stated. “We are committed to ensuring that all public transport operators adhere to the highest standards of safety.”
This move has been welcomed by road safety advocates and worried families of victims, who have long called for stricter regulation and oversight of bus companies operating across Uganda. Critics argue that some operators cut corners, neglecting proper vehicle maintenance and failing to enforce driver sobriety, thus putting passengers in constant danger.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Transport has promised enhanced road safety measures, including regular inspections, mandatory driver sobriety tests, and stricter enforcement of speed limits. Byamukama urged other transport companies to take the incident as a warning, emphasizing that safety must come before profit.
The public has been encouraged to report any reckless driving or safety violations they witness, as the ministry aims to foster a culture of accountability and vigilance in Uganda’s public transport sector.
As investigations continue, the suspension of Nilestar buses marks a crucial step in ensuring passenger safety on Uganda’s roads. The government’s focus on accountability and preventive measures signals a broader push to avoid further tragedies and to restore public trust in the nation’s transport systems. Meanwhile, families of the victims await justice, hoping that this action will bring an end to the recurring cycle of preventable accidents.
The Transport Ministry has suspended Nilestar bus operations after a fatal crash in Nwoya. In the past year alone, Nilestar buses were involved in 11 accidents, killing 91 and injuring 56. Authorities are demanding a full investigation, with the government pledging stronger safety measures.
