The State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, has suspended the operations of Nile Star Bus Limited for 30 days following a fatal road crash in Nwoya District that claimed at least seven lives.
The suspension, which takes effect today at 6:00pm, comes amid growing concern over the company’s safety record after a series of deadly accidents over the past year.
According to government figures, Nile Star buses have been involved in 11 crashes within the last 12 months, resulting in 56 deaths and 91 injuries.
Announcing the directive, Byamukama said the decision was necessary to allow for investigations and enforce compliance with road safety standards.
“This action is intended to safeguard lives as investigations continue and ensure that the operator fully complies with road safety regulations,” the minister said.
The latest crash occurred on May 4, 2026, along the Karuma–Pakwach highway in Nwoya District, involving a Nile Star bus and a trailer. Police reports indicate that the bus attempted to overtake other vehicles before colliding head-on with an oncoming truck.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven people died in the incident, with several others sustaining serious injuries and receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura previously noted that preliminary investigations point to dangerous overtaking and possible reckless driving as contributing factors to the crash.
The suspension marks one of the strongest actions taken by government regulators against a public transport operator in recent months, as Uganda continues to grapple with rising road accidents linked to speeding, driver fatigue, and poor compliance with safety standards.
Transport authorities say the 30-day suspension period will be used to audit the company’s operations, including driver conduct, vehicle condition, and adherence to licensing requirements.
The latest tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly for long-distance passenger buses, with officials urging operators to prioritise passenger safety over commercial pressures.
