By Robert Segawa
The government has announced a 10-day suspension of Jaguar Bus Company operations, effective from 6 am tomorrow, following a series of road accidents attributed to the indiscipline of their drivers. This decision comes in response to a recent fatal accident involving a Jaguar bus that resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to 24 others.
The accident occurred earlier this month on the Kabale-Bugonzi stretch of the Masaka-Kampala Highway. The bus, registered under UBP 964T, was involved in a reckless overtaking maneuver that led to the tragic incident.
In a news conference held at the Ministry of Transport and Works Headquarters in Kampala, State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, detailed the government’s decisive action.
Minister Byamukama stated that the suspension will begin immediately and will allow the owners of Jaguar Bus Company to meet with a newly established task force. This task force has been set up by the Ministry to conduct a thorough examination of the company’s buses and address ongoing safety concerns.
“We are taking this measure to ensure that the safety protocols and vehicle standards are adhered to,” Minister Byamukama emphasized. “The 10-day suspension will give Jaguar Bus Company the opportunity to rectify their operational issues and demonstrate their commitment to passenger safety.”
Additionally, Minister Byamukama issued a directive to Gateway Bus Company, demanding that they present their driver involved in a separate reckless driving incident captured on video in Kisoro District. The driver was filmed overtaking dangerously, contributing to the growing concern over road safety.
The Minister underscored that the suspension of bus companies or associations linked to drivers involved in accidents is part of a broader strategy to combat the rising number of road accidents in the country. This approach aims to hold companies accountable and encourage adherence to road safety regulations.
