Tragedy Strikes: YY Bus Catches Fire Along Njeru–Katosi Road, Dozens Feared Dead
- Afri Careers
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
A tragic road accident involving a YY Coaches bus has left several people feared dead after the vehicle veered off the road and caught fire along the Njeru–Katosi Road in Buikwe District. The horrifying incident occurred on the evening of May 5, 2025, near Makindu Trading Centre in Najja Sub County.
The bus, identified by registration number UAV 702J, was traveling along the Mbale route when the accident occurred. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties. However, early reports suggest that many passengers may not have survived the inferno.
A Scene of Horror
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as flames engulfed the bus shortly after it veered off the road. The charred wreckage painted a grim picture, raising fears about the number of lives lost. Survivors who managed to escape were rushed to nearby health facilities, many of them in critical condition.
Images from the scene show the smoldering remains of the vehicle, leaving little to the imagination about the trauma experienced by those on board.
YY Coaches Responds
In an official statement, YY Coaches and Courier Services expressed their sorrow over the tragic event:
“It is with deep regret that we inform the public of an incident involving one of our coaches along the Mbale route. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Rescue operations are actively underway to assist and provide medical care to the injured,” the company said.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will continue to offer support to the victims and their families during this difficult time. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
A Troubled Safety Record
This is not the first time YY Coaches has been involved in a fatal accident. The company has a checkered safety record:
In 2013, at least 11 people died when a YY bus collided head-on with a sugarcane truck on the Tirinyi–Mbale Road.
In 2016, another YY bus overturned in Iganga District, killing five.
In 2020, six passengers perished when a YY bus crashed in the Mabira Forest area.
These repeated incidents raise serious questions about road safety and regulation enforcement for long-distance passenger buses in Uganda.
Public Concern Grows
This latest accident comes just days after another fire-related tragedy that claimed the life of Rajiv Ruparelia, drawing national concern over the safety of public and private transport systems.
As investigations continue, families of the affected await official confirmation of the fate of their loved ones, and Ugandans call for greater accountability and improved safety standards on the country's roads.
.This story is developing. We will provide updates as more details emerge.