Socialite Don Chris Arrested for Alleged Shs 1.75 Billion Labour Recruitment Fraud

Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested socialite Christian Asiimwe, widely recognized as Don Chris, in connection with a large-scale labour recruitment scam. Asiimwe, formerly the director of Sky Pins Tours and Travel, is accused of obtaining substantial sums of money through false pretenses by promising non-existent jobs overseas.

According to police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, Don Chris is alleged to have defrauded over 500 individuals between 2022 and 2025. Victims reportedly paid between Shs 5 million and Shs 10 million each for promised positions as waiters, cleaners, and caregivers in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Dubai.

The arrest followed a nationwide manhunt initiated after numerous complaints surfaced. Initially, 85 job seekers petitioned the former Minister of State for Youth, Balaam Barugahara, detailing their financial losses to Sky Pins. The company, which extensively advertised on television, radio, and TikTok, allegedly promised travel on credit after an upfront payment of half the required fees, assuring travel within two to six months.

Investigators discovered that Sky Pins had relocated and abandoned its offices, while the number of complainants grew significantly. By July 2025, police estimated that the company had amassed between Shs 1.4 billion and Shs 1.75 billion from victims. Some complainants also reported facing threats when demanding refunds.

Don Chris reportedly fled Uganda in June 2025, seeking refuge in South Africa, and only recently returned before his apprehension. While police consider Sky Pins a fraudulent operation, records indicate the company had previously facilitated travel for seven Ugandans to the Netherlands, potentially lending a veneer of legitimacy.

Police are urging anyone who paid money to Sky Pins Tours and Travel and has not yet reported their case to come forward. The public is also advised to thoroughly verify the licensing of any labour recruitment agency before engaging their services.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/socialite-don-chris-arrested-over-labour-recruitment-fraud