By Jamillah Kemigisa
Ugandan police have launched a full-scale manhunt for Assimwe Christian, commonly known as Don Chris, the controversial owner of Skypins Tours and Travel Company, who stands accused of masterminding one of the biggest travel-related frauds in recent years—swindling unsuspecting job seekers out of over 500 million shillings and according to authorities, over 85 individuals have filed complaints.
Victims allege that Don Chris promised to help them travel abroad—mainly to Canada and later Luxembourg—through what he called “travel on loan” packages. Under this scheme, Ugandans paid between UGX 3.5 million and UGX 10 million as upfront fees, with assurances they would secure jobs abroad and repay the loans once settled.
One female victim shared her ordeal:
“I paid UGX 5 million. They took my passport and promised to fly me to Canada. After a year of silence, they said I’d now go to Luxembourg instead. Still—nothing. I’ve lost everything,”she said tearfully while holding receipts and photocopies of her travel documents.
Crowds of angry victims have repeatedly stormed Skypins’ office in Ntinda, waving receipts and passports in hand, demanding answers and refunds. Some even accused Don Chris of deliberately confiscating passports to prevent them from reporting the matter or traveling elsewhere.
“He not only took our money, but also our identities,” one man shouted outside the now-abandoned office. “That’s criminal.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the ongoing investigation.“Don Chris defrauded dozens, maybe hundreds. Victims were charged between 3.5 and 10 million shillings depending on the country and job promised. The amounts collected exceed UGX 500 million,” Onyango stated.
He further disclosed that Skypins was operating without a license from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, rendering all activities illegal.
In a shocking twist, a video has surfaced showing Don Chris responding to the allegations with brazen defiance.“I’ve been to prison before, I don’t fear,” he says in the video, smirking. “It’s 2026 campaign season—why are you rushing to leave the country? Who will vote?”
The video has sparked outrage online, with many calling for his immediate arrest and investigation into his connections, if any, with local authorities.
Police are appealing to the public to provide information that could lead to Don Chris’s arrest. Victims have been advised to formally report to the nearest police stations with all documentation including receipts, contracts, and ID copies.
Officials are also urging citizens to verify whether recruitment firms are registered with the Ministry of Labour before making any payments.
