Uganda’s music scene knows Don Chris as the kingmaker—the flamboyant socialite who sponsored concerts, flaunted stacks of cash in VIP lounges, and lived like royalty. But behind the champagne showers and designer suits lies a darker truth: a calculated scheme that robbed hundreds of desperate Ugandans of their life savings. This is the untold story of how Skypins Tours and Travel became a trapdoor to financial ruin.
The Rise of a Wolf in Gucci Clothing
Don Chris (born Christian Asiimwe) crafted an image of untouchable wealth. His company, Skypins Tours and Travel, promised more than vacations—it sold dreams of escape. From 2022–2024, ads flooded TV, radio, and TikTok: “Earn in Euros! Work in Canada, Dubai, or the UK!” The hook? Pay half upfront (UGX 3.5M–10M per person), travel “on loan,” and repay with foreign wages.
But Skypins operated without a license from the Ministry of Gender and Labour—a fact police confirmed as victims piled up.
Anatomy of a Scam: The Bait, the Switch, the Vanishing Act
Step 1: Lure the Desperate
Skypins’ Ntinda office at Haruna Mall and their new location, which had changed to Kitende along Entebbe Road, became a pilgrimage site. Hopefuls sold land, took out loans, and depleted their savings. One victim’s plea: “They gave me a receipt and said, ‘Wait 2–6 months.’ I waited. Nothing.”
Step 2: Fake Legitimacy, Real Threats
Don Chris issued disclaimers—“Don’t sell property!”—a cynical ploy to shield himself while exploiting hope. When demands for refunds surged, he allegedly threatened victims and ghosted. By June 2025, offices moved to Kitende, then vanished overnight. Witnesses saw trucks hauling furniture at 8 PM—a midnight escape
Step 3: The Paris Hideout
As police opened investigations (June 17, 2025), Don Chris fled to Paris. From a luxury apartment, he taunted victims online: “I did not call anyone to bring money... No one can arrest me.”
The Human Wreckage: Voices from the Scam
- UGX 1 Billion+ Lost: Police confirmed 85+ victims (UGX 500M), but sources suggest 300+ and losses over UGX 1B .
- Minister’s Intervention: Victims petitioned Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara, who escalated to CID .
- Broken Lives: A viral video shows a man weeping: “I sold my taxi to pay Skypins. Now I drive bodaboda to feed my children.”
The Manhunt: Can Justice Catch Up?
The DPP sanctioned Don Chris’ arrest for “obtaining money by pretense”. Interpol coordination is underway, but extradition hurdles remain. Meanwhile, victims question: Why did media promote his ads? Why did regulators sleep?
Lessons from the Ashes
- Verify Licenses: Always check recruitment agencies with the Ministry of Gender and Labour.
- Beware “Too Good” Deals: Jobs abroad requiring huge upfront fees? Red flag!
- Socialite ≠ Savior: Flashy sponsorships mask greed. As one Facebook user warned, “TV stations that aired his ads must pay victims!”
The Irony of “Easier Middle Routes
In a cruel twist, Don Chris once warned, “Don’t sell assets for visas—success isn’t guaranteed.” He knew the desperation he’d exploit. Now, as he sips espresso in Paris, his words haunt Uganda’s betrayed .
This isn’t just a scam—it’s a mirror to a broken system. Share this story. Demand justice. #DontBeASkypin
Sources: CID Reports | Victim Testimonies | Ministerial Briefings [Independent.co.ug, SML News, UGBulletin]
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