KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan police have arrested a former director of a labour recruitment company over allegations that he defrauded hundreds of people by promising them jobs overseas.
Christian Asiimwe, commonly known as Don Chris, was arrested at about 0200 local time on Thursday at a bar in Zana, in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District, police said.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said more than 500 alleged victims had so far provided statements in the case.
She said Asiimwe, who was a director of the now-defunct Sky Pins labour recruitment company, was being investigated over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences and fraudulent labour recruitment.
Police allege that between 2022 and 2025, Asiimwe took money from people after claiming he could secure employment for them in countries including Canada, Britain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The promised jobs reportedly included positions as waiters, cleaners and caregivers.
According to accounts given to police, applicants paid between 5 million and 10 million Ugandan shillings ($1,400-$2,800), depending on the job and destination.
Asiimwe remains in police custody as investigations continue, with police saying he will be taken to court in accordance with the law.
Authorities have urged people seeking overseas employment to verify that recruitment companies and agents are properly licensed before paying money or entering into recruitment agreements.
