news 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nile Star Bus Company Faces 30-Day Suspension After Deadly Crash Kills Seven
Uganda's government has suspended Nile Star Bus Company for 30 days after a crash on the Arua-Karuma highway claimed seven lives and injured 13 others. The firm is linked to 11 accidents in the past year, resulting in 11 deaths and 91 injuries, with orders to compensate affected families. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nile-star-bus-company-suspended-after-crash-leaves-seven-dead-5449110
The Ugandan government has halted operations of Nile Star Bus Company for 30 days following a fatal accident on the Arua-Karuma highway. The crash occurred on Tuesday night in Purongo Town Council, Nwoya district, where a Nile Star bus collided with a truck carrying fish from South Sudan to DR Congo.
Seven passengers died, and 13 were injured in the incident involving the bus registered as UBP 736U. State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, announced the suspension starting Wednesday at 6pm.
Byamukama highlighted the company’s poor safety record, noting 11 crashes between May 2025 and May 2026 that killed 11 people and injured 91 others. He blamed undisciplined drivers and directed the company to compensate victims’ families.
The 64-year-old driver, Mandela Kasimu, had been previously dismissed by YY Coaches for alcohol-related issues and accidents. Passengers reportedly noticed him under the influence and speeding, warning him before the collision, but he ignored them.
The minister called for permanent revocation of licenses for drivers involved in such misconduct. Nile Star buses typically operate routes from Kampala to the West Nile region.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)