State Minister Suspends Nile Star Bus Company for 30 Days After Deadly Nwoya Crash
Passengers at the suspended Nile Star Bus terminal in Arua recently. Photo Credit_Andrew Cohen Amvesi
KAMPALA – Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Works and Transport has suspended the operations of Nile Star Bus Company for 30 days following a fatal road accident in Nwoya District that killed seven people.
The suspension took immediate effect as the Ministry of Works and Transport launches investigations into the company’s safety record and operational standards.
The accident occurred in the morning of May 4, 2026, at around 1:30 a.m. at Lapok Mor in Nwoya District.
A Nile Star bus, registration number UBP 736U, collided with a truck from South Sudan, resulting in seven deaths on the spot and several others injured.
Minister Byamukama said the decision was informed by the company’s poor safety record.
“Since May 2025, according to police reports, Nile Star buses have been involved in 11 accidents, resulting in 56 deaths and 91 injuries,” Byamukama said.
Following a meeting with the company’s owners and their legal representatives, the minister directed them to halt all operations by 6:00 p.m. for one month to allow for a comprehensive review of their countrywide operations.
Authorities also confirmed that the bus driver, Abugo Mandela, 64, is in police custody pending court proceedings.
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver had previously worked with another bus company but was dismissed over alleged misconduct. He is said to have been involved in multiple accidents in the past.
In addition to the suspension, Minister Byamukama directed Nile Star Bus Company to fully compensate the families of the deceased, warning against offering minimal support.
“This time it is not business as usual where government has been assisting families. We have directed the owners of Nile Star buses to adequately compensate all the seven families who lost their loved ones,” Byamukama said.
He added that the move is intended to send a strong signal to transport operators and drivers to prioritize road safety and accountability.
The incident has renewed public concern over road safety standards among public transport operators, with authorities indicating that stricter enforcement measures could follow as investigations continue.