KAMPALA.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has imposed stringent conditions on YY Bus Company Ltd if its fleet of buses are to resume normal operations .
This follows the suspension of its operations for 15 days effective May 13 evening after two of the company’s buses got involved in two fatal accidents- one on Katosi Road in Buikwe District and another in Ayago Village near Karuma Dam, which resulted in loss of lives and property.
Announcing the suspension on Tuesday, State Minister for Transport ,Mr Fred Byamukama said in the Buikwe incident, the driver is still on the run and one passenger remains missing.
The Minister said a joint team has been formed with the police to ensure all YY drivers undergo thorough evaluation as a prerequisite for resuming work.
“They must also present their buses for mechanical inspection to confirm roadworthiness, particularly for long-distance travel,” he added.
YY Bus Company has also been instructed to submit appointment letters of their drivers to verify that only accredited and qualified individuals are on duty. Authorities suspect that unqualified drivers may have been added to the company’s roster.
“They must also submit a refresher training schedule for their drivers. These are mandatory requirements before we allow them to return to the roads,” the minister
Mr Byamukama explained his Ministry is imposing tougher measures because judicial penalties, such as arresting and charging reckless drivers, often exclude the bus owners, yet these owners manage operations and bear responsibility.
“Suspending operations forces bus owners to review their employment terms and ensure proper remuneration to prevent such tragedies,” he said.
The Minister warned that if YY Bus Company fails to meet at least 40 percent of the requirements within the 15-day period, they risk permanent suspension.
“We constantly engage public transporters and carry out inspections, but these are private entities run by human beings, there are always gaps.” he added.
He further accused some drivers of YY Bus Company of manipulating the legal system by lowering their age in court after reaching the retirement age of 65.
“At that age, most people begin to experience health issues, which is dangerous for a job like driving. We advise them to retire and pursue other ventures,” he said.
Buikwe crash
According to the transport ministry’s investigations conducted jointly with the Uganda Police Traffic Department, over speeding was the main cause of the Buikwe crash .
“In that incident, the driver was speeding and tried to swerve to avoid a boda boda rider. He lost control, and the bus overturned. Several passengers died, and others lost property in the fire,” Mr Byamukama said.
He also revealed that the bus may have been transporting a flammable liquid, suspected to be local brew (waragi), which is prohibited on public transport.