By Diana N.Kintu
The Ministry of Works and Transport has suspended the operations of Nile Star Bus Company for 30 days following a fatal accident in Nwoya District that claimed seven lives.
According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect as authorities review the company’s safety record and operational standards.
The accident occurred at Lapok Mor in Nwoya District at around 1:30 a.m. on May 4, 2026, when a Nile Star bus, registration number UBP 736U, collided with a truck from South Sudan. Seven passengers died instantly, while several others sustained injuries.
State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said the decision was informed by the company’s troubling accident record.
“Since May 2025, the bus company has been involved in 11 accidents, resulting in 56 deaths and 91 injuries,” he revealed.
The ministry held a meeting with the company’s owners and legal representatives and directed them to halt operations by 6 p.m. for one month to allow for a comprehensive review.
“We instructed them to stop operations for one month to enable the ministry to review its operations countrywide,” Byamukama said.
Authorities confirmed that the bus driver, Abugo Mandela, 64, is in police custody pending court proceedings. Preliminary findings indicate that Mandela had previously worked for another bus company but was dismissed over misconduct and had reportedly been involved in multiple accidents in the past.
Beyond the suspension, the minister directed Nile Star Bus Company to fully compensate the families of the deceased.
“This time, it is not business as usual, where the government has been assisting families. We have directed the owners of Nile Star buses to compensate all seven families who lost their loved ones,” Byamukama emphasised.
The incident has reignited concerns about road safety standards among public transport operators. Officials warned that stricter enforcement measures could follow as investigations continue.
The ministry stressed that the move is intended to send a strong message to transport operators and drivers to prioritise safety and accountability.
According to the statement, the suspension is not only punitive but also corrective, aimed at ensuring that transport companies adhere to safety regulations and protect passengers.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing operational practices across the transport sector to prevent similar tragedies in future.