By Our Reporter
Police in Kampala have launched a manhunt for Christian Asiimwe, also known as Don Chris, the director of Skypins Tours and Travel, over a wide-reaching overseas job scam that has defrauded desperate jobseekers of more than Shs 500 million.
The company, which began operations in 2022, advertised lucrative job opportunities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Dubai, and Luxembourg through television ads, radio jingles, and social media platforms including TikTok—promising quick and affordable routes to jobs abroad.
According to SSP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, at least 85 victims have so far reported being conned. Most of them made transactions between 2023 and 2024 at Skypins’ former offices in Ntinda Haruna Mall, before the company relocated to Kitende, along Entebbe Road.
Victims were allegedly told they could travel on loan after depositing half of the required placement fee, with amounts ranging from Shs 3.5 million to Shs 10 million. They were issued receipts and promised travel within two to six months—promises that were never fulfilled.
“None of the victims ever left the country,” Onyango confirmed. “Worse still, attempts to request refunds were reportedly met with threats and intimidation.”
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has since revealed that Skypins Tours and Travel is not a licensed external labour recruitment agency, further confirming the illegitimacy of its operations.
A general inquiry file (GIF) was officially opened on June 17, 2025, following pressure from the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, who intervened after mounting public complaints.
Police are now appealing to any additional victims to report to the CID Commander of Kampala Metropolitan Police to assist in building a stronger case against Asiimwe and his accomplices.
“This is a clear case of premeditated fraud targeting vulnerable Ugandans desperate for a better future,” said a senior officer involved in the investigation.
The case is the latest in a growing list of illegal labour export schemes that have plagued the country, exploiting thousands of Ugandans, especially youth, in the hope of overseas employment.
Authorities are now calling for stricter regulation of travel and job placement firms, and increased public awareness campaigns to help citizens identify genuine recruiters.
As the search for Don Chris intensifies, police say they are tracking leads and will issue formal charges once the suspect is apprehended. Meanwhile, victims continue to demand justice—and the return of their hard-earned money.