Jobs Abroad Scam: Skypins ‘Tycoon’ Don Chris Arrested After Returning To Uganda

By Swift Reporter

City socialite and businessman Asiimwe Christian, popularly known as Don Chris, has been arrested over allegations that he defrauded Ugandans of millions of shillings in a jobs-abroad scam linked to his travel company, Skypins Tours and Travels.

Don Chris was arrested after returning to Uganda and is currently detained at Katwe Police Station as investigations into the allegations continue.

The businessman had for years been a familiar face at Kampala’s entertainment and social events, where he was known for his lavish lifestyle and support for musicians and other entertainers.

Through Skypins Tours and Travels, different musicians and event organisers reportedly sought his sponsorship, while the company also advertised its services through established media outlets.

The advertisements promoted opportunities for Ugandans seeking employment abroad, with destinations including Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Qatar and Canada.

However, the company later closed its offices and Don Chris left the country, prompting police to begin investigating its operations after a number of alleged victims reported that they had paid money for overseas jobs that never materialised.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Patrick Onyango previously confirmed that police were pursuing Don Chris in connection with the complaints.

Police, according to Onyango, also engaged the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to establish whether Skypins Tours and Travels had the authority to recruit Ugandans for jobs abroad.

The ministry reportedly established that the company did not have a valid contract allowing it to recruit Ugandans for overseas employment at the time of the alleged transactions.

The complaints date back to 2022, with alleged victims reportedly paying between Shs3 million and Shs10 million depending on the promised job and destination.

Investigators believe the total amount allegedly obtained from victims could exceed Shs500 million.

Onyango said some victims who demanded refunds were allegedly met with threats instead of having their money returned.

“When the people asked him for a refund, he started threatening them instead of giving them answers,” Onyango said, adding that the suspect allegedly claimed to have powerful government and security connections.

Police subsequently intensified efforts to locate Don Chris.

His arrest now allows investigators to question him over the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the payments made by the complainants.

He is expected to be produced before court after the police investigations are completed.

The allegations against Don Chris have not been proved in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.

Police are expected to provide further details on the charges, the number of complainants and the total amount allegedly lost as investigations progress.