'Don't hire bus drivers above 65'

KAMPALA - The Government has launched a sweeping investigation into bus companies suspected of hiring drivers aged 65 and above, in violation of transport safety regulations. 

Addressing journalists at the works ministry on Tuesday, May 13, state minister for works Fred Byamukama revealed that some bus companies are illegally employing elderly drivers by allowing them to alter their ages through affidavits to retain their commercial driving badges. 

“The Government regulations do not allow individuals aged 65 and above to operate buses, as aging diminishes critical body functions, including vision and reflexes, making driving high-capacity vehicles dangerous,” he said. 

Byamukama stated that elderly drivers are encouraged to shift to smaller vehicles, due to age-related health risks, such as hypertension, pressure and impaired vision.

Focus on YY Bus Company 

A joint investigation team from the works ministry and the Police traffic directorate will assess the qualifications and physical eligibility of all bus drivers, beginning with YY Bus Company. 

The probe will also examine whether any drivers obtained their badges through forged documentation. If found guilty, drivers could face charges of forgery, while bus companies involved could be charged with conspiracy to commit forgery. 

This investigation comes on the heels of the Government’s decision to suspend YY Bus Company for 15 days, following a spate of serious accidents involving its fleet. 

The suspension took effect Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00pm, with all YY buses ordered off the road by the end of the day. 

The most recent incident involved a YY bus, registration number UAV 701C, which overturned and caught fire on the Mukono–Nyenga–Katosi road. 

The tragic accident claimed three lives and injured 30 others. Only days later, another YY bus was involved in an accident near Karuma Junction in Ayago village. 

While no deaths were recorded, several passengers suffered serious injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that the Katosi accident was caused by over-speeding. 

“The driver lost control of the bus while trying to avoid a bodaboda cyclist,” Byamukama noted. Authorities are also probing the presence of suspected flammable liquids, possibly alcohol, on board the bus, which may have intensified the fire that engulfed the vehicle.

Minister Fred Byamukama (File Photo)

Penalties 

During the suspension period, YY Bus Company is required to present all its vehicles for inspection. 

The joint task force will evaluate both the mechanical condition of the buses and the credentials of all drivers, including appointment letters, permits and badges. 

We also expect a schedule of refresher training sessions for their drivers,” said Byamukama, emphasising that these steps are mandatory for all companies operating under a commercial transport license. 

Should YY Bus Company fail to meet at least 40% of the required safety and regulatory standards, the Government may consider imposing a permanent suspension. 

The minister expressed concern over the growing trend of companies treating accidents lightly, simply replacing drivers, instead of addressing systemic issues. 

As part of broader road safety reforms, vehicle inspection centres across Uganda will be fully operational starting July. From August, traffic Police will begin enforcing vehicle inspection laws, requiring drivers to carry up-to-date inspection certificates.

YY speaks out 

YY Coaches is one of the biggest bus companies in Uganda and it operates in the eastern and northeastern regions. 

The company started operating in 2008 and currently has over 50 buses plying routes, such as Mbale-Kampala, Soroti-Kampala, Lira-Kampala and Kampala-Apac-Lira and Kampala-Arua-Yumbe. 

Emma Wabwire, the company’s head of operations, said they are ready to comply with the decision taken by the ministry. 

Robert Mutebi, the general secretary for the United Bus Owners Association, said the punishment to YY Coaches was punitive, as opposed to being a deterrent to road accidents.