Published on 09/01/2025
The J4:14 Foundation, an international charity organization operating in Uganda since 2010 and officially registered in 2021, is at the centre of a growing controversy. Allegations have emerged that the organization, under the leadership of its president, Mr. JD Smith, has stopped paying its Ugandan employees and is exploiting local communities by charging exorbitant fees for access to water.
Initially celebrated for rehabilitating government boreholes to provide clean water, the foundation reportedly introduced a community savings norm of 1,000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX) per household to manage minor breakdowns.
However, after Mr. Smith visited Uganda in June last year, he allegedly adopted a more exploitative model, charging 4,500 UGX per family per month without community sensitization. The abrupt change has sparked outrage, as the foundation’s operations were initially framed as charitable, not profit-driven.
Further compounding the controversy, Mr. Smith is accused of attempting to forcefully merge J4:14 with another organization in Kampala. This decision, reportedly made without consulting employees, has led to internal discord. Workers who had contracts valid until 2026 were blindsided, leading to demands for unpaid salaries, NSSF contributions, and clearance by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The situation escalated when Mr. Smith sacked a senior manager who informed employees about the planned merger. Workers now accuse him of dodging accountability and exploiting tax exemption granted to the organization in the United States.
Former employees have expressed plans to storm the American Embassy in Kampala, demanding justice and intervention. They claim Mr. Smith has exploited both Ugandan communities and the charity’s staff while profiting unethically.
This unfolding crisis raises serious questions about foreign charity organizations operating in Uganda and the accountability of their leaders. Authorities and relevant agencies are urged to investigate the allegations to ensure justice for the affected workers and communities.
