Kampala, Uganda: Police in Kampala have launched a manhunt for Christian Asiimwe, also known as Don Chris, the flamboyant director of Skypins Tours and Travel, over an elaborate overseas job scam that has reportedly defrauded unsuspecting Ugandans of over Shs 500 million.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, at least 85 victims have so far recorded statements indicating they were duped by the travel firm, which advertised job placements in countries such as Canada, the UK, Qatar, Dubai, and Luxembourg.
“The victims were promised to travel on loan after depositing half of the full payment (s) according to different contracts for different jobs in different countries like Canada, United Kingdom, Qatar, Dubai, Luxembourg, among others,” Onyango said.
Skypins, which began operations in 2022, used television stations, radio broadcasts, and social media platforms such as TikTok to lure job seekers with promises of work-abroad opportunities.
The company allegedly offered applicants an option to travel “on loan,” requiring them to deposit only half the purported fees, ranging between Shs 3.5 million and Shs 10 million.
“The transactions took place primarily between 2023 and 2024,” SSP Onyango added. “Most occurred at Skypins’ office in Ntinda, Haruna Mall, before the company relocated to Kitende, along Entebbe Road.”
Despite receiving official-looking receipts and being promised travel within two to six months, none of the clients ever left the country. Victims allege that follow-up efforts were met with threats and harassment, further compounding their losses.
In a new twist, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has disassociated itself from the company, confirming that Skypins Tours and Travel is not licensed to conduct external labour recruitment in Uganda.
The scam attracted the attention of the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, who intervened and prompted police to open a General Inquiry File on June 17, 2025. Investigations are now in advanced stages.
“The victims approached the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon Balaam Barugahara, for intervention, who later forwarded the victims to CID Commander KMP for action. On June 17, 2025, a general inquiry file was opened and investigations commenced.”
“We are appealing to more victims to report to the CID Commander, Kampala Metropolitan Police,” Onyango added.
The company director, Don Chris, known for his flashy lifestyle and high-profile social media appearances, remains at large. His whereabouts are unknown, and police have intensified efforts to bring him to justice.
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