The number of individuals reportedly defrauded by Skypins Tours and Travel has surged from 85 to over 350, according to an update from the Kampala Metropolitan Police. The company is accused of orchestrating a large-scale job scam that has left hundreds of Ugandans financially devastated.
Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that the firm’s director, Asiimwe Christian (also known as Don Chris), lured victims with promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad. Victims were required to pay between Shs3.5 million and Shs10 million for job placements in countries such as Canada, the UK, Dubai, Qatar, and Luxembourg.
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Originally, around 85 victims came forward, claiming they had lost a combined Shs500 million. However, ongoing investigations now estimate that over 350 individuals have collectively been defrauded of approximately Shs1.75 billion.
Investigations reveal that Skypins aggressively advertised through media platforms and operated from Haruna Mall in Ntinda before relocating to Kitende, Entebbe Road. Many victims were enticed by offers of traveling under a loan arrangement, paying half the cost upfront with promises of departure within two to six months. None of the promised travel materialized.
Frustrated by failed promises and unreturned funds, several victims sought intervention from Minister Balaam Barugahara, who referred them to Kampala Metropolitan CID for action. A manhunt is now underway for Asiimwe, with police opening a general inquiry file to support the case.
Further probes have confirmed that Skypins Tours and Travel was never licensed by the Ministry of Gender and Labor as a foreign labor recruitment agency. Police also allege that Asiimwe resorted to threats to silence victims demanding refunds.
Authorities continue to urge others who may have been affected to come forward as investigations widen into what is shaping up to be one of the country’s largest job recruitment frauds in recent years.
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