The Christian Asiimwe visa scam has sparked a high-level police investigation after at least 85 Ugandans lost over Shs500 million. Authorities say Christian Asiimwe, also known as Don Chris, orchestrated the fraud under a fake travel agency that promised lucrative jobs abroad. Police are now searching for him, as he reportedly disappeared and switched off all known contact numbers.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango explained that Asiimwe advertised job opportunities in Canada, the UK, Qatar, Dubai, and Luxembourg. He demanded upfront payments ranging from Shs3.5 million to Shs10 million. These fees were said to cover visas, air tickets, medical tests, and job placements. To appear credible, the scammers issued company-branded receipts and promised that applicants would travel within two to six months.
Despite paying the requested amounts, none of the victims traveled. As weeks passed, communication from the agency became increasingly irregular. Eventually, the company closed its Ntinda office and quietly moved to Kitende, Entebbe. This abrupt relocation made it extremely difficult for victims to seek help or request refunds.
Asiimwe convinced victims to pay at least 50% of the total amount under a “soft loan” arrangement. However, once payments were made, the promised services never materialized. In frustration, the victims approached State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, who referred them to the Kampala Metropolitan CID Commander.
According to SSP Onyango, the investigation has already begun, and police are working closely with complainants. He urged anyone else affected by the Christian Asiimwe visa scam to report to the CID office in Kampala. The more victims come forward, the stronger the case becomes, and the higher the chance of recovering stolen funds.
This case highlights a growing trend of fraudulent recruitment in Uganda. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has received more than 5,000 related complaints over the past three years. Reported losses have exceeded Shs10 billion. Many of the involved agencies operate without proper licenses and prey on desperate job seekers, especially the youth.
Uganda’s youth unemployment rate remains above 13%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. This high rate makes young people vulnerable to scams like these. Onyango advised the public to always verify employment agencies through official government channels before paying any money.
Instead of offering an apology or denying the accusations, Asiimwe appeared in a TikTok Live session. In the video, he mocked the victims and questioned their desire to work abroad. “Why are you running out of the country?” he asked sarcastically. “If you all leave, who will vote for Museveni or Bobi Wine?” He continued, saying, “I’m not afraid. I’ve been arrested before. They won’t shoot me.” Asiimwe also blamed the victims for going public, stating, “You were supposed to get your money on Friday. Now let social media pay you.”
Police say the search for Asiimwe is ongoing. They have intensified efforts to trace his whereabouts and identify potential accomplices. Investigators are also tracking financial transactions linked to the scam, hoping to recover stolen money. SSP Onyango confirmed that the case remains a top priority and emphasized that justice will be pursued vigorously.
The Christian Asiimwe visa scam serves as a painful lesson to many Ugandans. With rising unemployment and increasing desperation, scammers are becoming bolder. It is essential for citizens to remain alert, ask questions, and verify the legitimacy of every opportunity. As police pursue the suspects, officials are calling for broader reforms in labour export practices to protect Ugandans from future exploitation.
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