Kiryandongo, Uganda: The Traffic Police have spoken out on the Nile Star bus accident that occurred on Wednesday evening in Alengo–Diima, Kiryandongo District, along the Kampala–Gulu highway, leaving several passengers injured and sparking renewed safety concerns over the company’s repeated road incidents.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 06, Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura confirmed that the ill-fated bus, a Nile Star Company Isuzu registration number UBG 019C, was being driven by Irima, 52, when it overturned in Mutunda Sub-county, injuring multiple passengers.
“The bus was carrying 59 passengers from Kampala to Arua. Seven sustained severe injuries, while others escaped with minor wounds. Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by reckless driving by the driver, Mr Irima,” SP Kananura said.
According to police, the accident happened when the bus driver attempted to overtake a motorcycle and a truck moving in the same direction near Diima trading centre.
“While overtaking, the driver failed to notice an oncoming vehicle in close range ahead of the truck. In an attempt to avoid collision, he swerved off the road and plunged into a trench, causing the bus to overturn,” Kananura explained.
Among the injured victims identified so far are Gumperom Innocent (22), an Acholi from Alengo; Nyandira Priscilla and Rubangakene Samuel, both residents of Pi-Akeo in Diima; and Arach Agnes and Latifa Queen, residents of Arua who were among the bus passengers. The boda boda rider and two passengers also sustained injuries in the crash.
Kananura said police officers led by AIP Obonyo Buxton visited the scene and coordinated the rescue operation. The victims were rushed to nearby clinics in Diima for medical attention, while the bus was towed to Diima Police Yard pending further investigation.
“We continue to warn drivers against reckless driving and urge them to prioritize the safety of passengers. Speeding and dangerous overtaking are among the leading causes of such tragic accidents,” he cautioned.
Nile Star Suspends Passenger Bus Services
In a related development, Nile Star Trade Link Limited, operators of Nile Star Buses, announced the temporary suspension of all passenger transport services with immediate effect, citing an operational review and restructuring process aimed at improving safety and service delivery.
“This decision has been made as part of our ongoing operational review and restructuring process aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our clients,” the company stated in a public notice issued on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The management, however, clarified that parcel and luggage transport services remain operational across all its routes. “We continue to offer reliable and timely delivery of goods across all our usual routes,” the statement added, while apologizing to customers for the inconvenience caused.
The decision follows a series of fatal accidents involving Nile Star buses in recent months, raising concerns over driver discipline, fleet maintenance, and adherence to transport safety standards. The company has pledged to undertake a comprehensive internal audit before resuming passenger operations.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
