The Uganda Police Force has launched an official investigation into city socialite Christian Asiimwe, widely known as Don Chris, over allegations that he orchestrated a large-scale job scam that defrauded hundreds of Ugandans of more than UGX 500 million.
Don Chris, known for his extravagant public appearances and sponsorship of entertainment events, is the founder of Skypins Tours and Travel, a company now at the centre of a growing fraud scandal involving fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, at least 85 victims have so far filed complaints, claiming they were conned by Skypins in exchange for non-existent job placements in countries including Canada, the UK, Qatar, Dubai, and Luxembourg.
The firm allegedly used both traditional and digital media platforms to advertise “travel on loan” schemes, promising clients high-paying employment opportunities overseas. Clients were required to deposit between UGX 3.5 million and UGX 10 million, with guarantees that they would secure jobs within two to six months.
“None of the promised travel arrangements or job placements ever materialised,” Onyango said. “Most victims were issued company receipts and reassured repeatedly that their processing was underway.”
Skypins’ offices, previously located at Haruna Mall in Ntinda, have since been closed, and Don Chris is reportedly on the run.
The case has since attracted the attention of the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, who confirmed receipt of multiple petitions from aggrieved victims. He has referred the matter to the Kampala Metropolitan CID Commander for urgent handling.
In a controversial turn, Don Chris has taken to social media, not to deny the allegations, but to mock the victims and authorities. In one of his posts, he unapologetically admitted to collecting money from job seekers and declared that he does not intend to refund anyone.
“I did not call anyone to bring their money to me,” he said, dismissing responsibility while also claiming to be beyond the reach of the law.
His statements have triggered outrage on social media and renewed calls for the government to strengthen oversight over labour export firms, many of which continue to operate with minimal regulation.
Authorities are now working to verify the total number of victims and assess whether international law enforcement agencies may be engaged to secure Don Chris’s return should it be confirmed that he fled the country.
Ugandans continue to express frustration over recurring travel scams that prey on the economic desperation of job seekers.
