The government has suspended the operation of YY Coaches for 15 days starting this evening, following two serious road accidents involving their buses that claimed lives.
Last week, three people died on the spot and dozens were injured after a speeding bus belonging to the company overturned on the Nyenga-Katosi Road. Another accident involving a company bus occurred at Ayago, near Karuma Town.
According to the State Minister of Transport, Fred Byamukama, the cause of these accidents is attributed to speeding.
The minister also revealed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the bus was carrying prohibited flammable liquids, suspected to be waragi.
“We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, and there’s information that this bus had some liquids on board which are suspected to be waragi,” he said.
During the 15-day suspension, YY Coaches is expected to take all their drivers for inspection to ensure they are in good working condition. The company will also need to provide appointment letters for their drivers and schedules for accreditation.
“We expect them to bring all their drivers’ passes for inspection, appointment letters, and schedules,” the minister said. “These are mandatory requirements that must be met before we consider lifting the suspension.”
The minister emphasized that the suspension is a measure to ensure road safety and to hold bus companies accountable for their actions.