J4:14 Foundation Saga: Ex-workers to protest at US Embassy over exploitation by Director JD Smith

Kampala, (UG):- Former employees of J4:14 Foundation, an international charity organization operating in Uganda have announced plans to protest at the American Embassy in Kampala, seeking justice and intervention by authorities over exploitation by the organization president, Mr JD Smith.

The disgruntled Ugandans claim that Mr Smith has used the guise of charity to profit unethically, exploiting both Ugandan communities and the organization’s staff.

Mr Smith, an American national who has been running the organization in Uganda since 2010, has been accused of failing to pay its Ugandan employees and exploiting local communities by imposing excessive fees for access to water.

Initially celebrated for its efforts to rehabilitate government boreholes and provide clean water, the foundation implemented a community savings initiative requiring households to contribute 1,000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX) to cover minor maintenance costs.

However, in June last year, following Mr. Smith’s visit to Uganda, the organization reportedly introduced a new model, charging families 4,500 UGX per month without proper community sensitization. This sudden shift from a charitable to a profit-driven approach has provoked outrage among affected communities.

The foundation’s internal operations have also come under scrutiny. Mr. Smith has been accused of attempting to forcefully merge J4:14 with another organization in Kampala without consulting employees. This decision has caused significant unrest among staff, many of whom had contracts valid until 2026.

The situation escalated further when a senior manager who informed employees about the planned merger was abruptly dismissed. Workers have since demanded unpaid salaries, contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and proper clearance by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

They further claim that Mr. Smith has often used the guise of charity to profit unethically, exploiting both Ugandan communities and the organization’s staff. The ex-workers also allege that he has exploited the tax exemption granted to the organization in the United States to avoid accountability in Uganda.

This unfolding crisis raises critical questions about the accountability of foreign charity organizations operating in Uganda. Workers and affected communities are calling on Ugandan authorities and relevant international bodies to investigate the allegations against the J4:14 Foundation and ensure justice is served.