Nilestar Resumes Bus Operations Days After Deadly Crash Suspension

Nile Trade Link Services

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 Just days after halting passenger services due to a series of deadly accidents, Nile Trade Link Services — the company operating Nilestar Buses — has declared the return of its operations along the Kampala–West Nile route.

The transport company suspended all passenger activities on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following three separate accidents within a span of ten hours in Wobulenzi, Kiryandongo, and along the Koboko–Yumbe road, all involving Nilestar buses.

This move came less than a month after a catastrophic collision between one of its buses and a Platinum Bus in Kiryandongo District, which claimed 46 lives and left dozens injured across multiple vehicles, including a truck and a Congolese-registered car.

In a statement released on Sunday, Nile Trade Link confirmed that full passenger operations, ticketing, and travel would resume on Monday, November 10, 2025.

“After a brief suspension of services to prioritize passenger safety, Nilestar is pleased to announce the reinstatement of all transport operations effective Monday, November 10, 2025, following thorough internal reviews and consultations,” the company said.

According to management, the break allowed them to evaluate safety measures and retrain their drivers. A comprehensive refresher training program is currently underway to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and adherence to road safety protocols.

The company further noted that it had collaborated with the Ministry of Works and Transport in workshops aimed at improving transport standards, regulatory compliance, and overall passenger safety.

The short suspension had disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers and affected economic activity in the West Nile region, where Nilestar dominates the transport sector. While some welcomed the resumption, others remained doubtful about the company’s readiness to ensure passenger safety after such a brief pause.

“Those who wish to board can go ahead, but I’ll wait until I’m convinced they’re fully stable on the road,” said Morgan Akuma, a businessman from Arua who often travels to Kampala.

At Nilestar’s Arua terminal, a few travelers were seen booking tickets to Kampala on Monday morning, signaling a gradual return to regular service. North West Nile regional police spokesperson, Collins Asea, confirmed the company’s operational resumption but declined to comment on safety audit details, noting that investigations into the earlier crashes are still ongoing.

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