Police have launched a search for city socialite Don Chris, real name Christian Asiimwe, over an alleged international job scam that has left scores of desperate Ugandans defrauded of millions of shillings.
Don Chris, famed for his flashy lifestyle and frequent sponsorship of music events, owns Skypins Tours and Travel, a company now at the centre of a major fraud investigation.
According to police, Skypins ran extensive adverts across mainstream and social media platforms promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad. Countries listed in the advertisements included Canada, the UK, Qatar, Dubai, and Luxembourg.
The promise of well-paying jobs attracted hundreds of Ugandans, many of whom flocked to Skypins’ offices located at Haruna Mall in Ntinda, hoping to secure a better future overseas. However, months later, it became clear that the jobs did not exist.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that at least 85 individuals have so far recorded statements with police, claiming they were conned by the company. Onyango revealed that each victim paid between Shs3.5 million and Shs10 million, with the total amount defrauded estimated at Shs500 million.
“The victims were promised travel on loan arrangements, after depositing half the required fees, depending on the type of job and destination,” Onyango said. “They were issued with company receipts and assured they would travel within two to six months. Sadly, none of those promised opportunities materialised.”
The scandal has now drawn the attention of Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, who is said to have received petitions from multiple victims. In response, the Minister referred the matter to the Kampala Metropolitan CID Commander for further investigation.
Meanwhile, through his social media platforms, Don Chris brazenly admitted that the accusations against him were true, openly declaring that he had no intention of compensating anyone affected by the alleged scam.
“I did not call anyone to bring their money to me,” he stated, dismissing any responsibility for the financial losses suffered by his clients.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Don Chris remained defiant, claiming that no one could arrest him and revealing that he had already left the country.
