By Our Reporter
In an open letter addressed to the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, a group of Ugandan workers employed by the J4:14 Foundation has made a fervent appeal for justice. The workers have accused the foundation and its leadership, specifically Mr. Justin Daniel Smith, of unfair treatment, unethical financial practices, and exploitation of labor.
The J4:14 Foundation, an international non-governmental organization based in Texas, USA, operates in Uganda with a stated mission of community development. However, the Ugandan workers allege that since they began their work with the organization in 2015, their experiences have been far from charitable.
In their letter, the workers highlight several issues, including Mr. Smith’s attempt to sell the organization while disregarding the welfare of the Ugandan staff. Despite valid operational contracts in place until 2026, Smith allegedly attempted to sell the organization in 2024, causing significant uncertainty for the workers. When the employees questioned this action, Smith reportedly traveled to Uganda and used his financial influence to orchestrate their arrest, claiming that he was protected by the power of the United States.
More troubling, the workers claim that under the guise of charitable work, Smith and the foundation have engaged in questionable financial dealings. While promoting water source rehabilitation, households have reportedly been charged 4,500 UGX monthly to access these water sources, which are public government property. Additionally, the workers accuse Smith and his associate, Mr. Robie, of exploiting Ugandan workers through underpayment and excessive workloads, despite raising significant funds in the USA under the pretension of providing charitable service.
The workers also raise concerns about fraudulent practices, stating that Mr. Smith and his associates forged signatures of officials within Uganda’s NGO Forum. The workers claim that J4:14 Foundation has accumulated over 1.6 billion UGX in unpaid worker benefits, yet instead of addressing these grievances, the organization has resorted to bribery and intimidation to silence those seeking justice.
As part of their effort to secure justice, the workers have enlisted the services of Judge Hillary March to try the case in the United States. They are seeking President Trump’s intervention to ensure that justice prevails, as they allege that American citizens involved in the exploitation have historically been protected from accountability.
The workers’ letter appeals for the following actions from President Trump:
- A thorough investigation into the financial dealings of J4:14 Foundation in both the United States and Uganda.
- Protection of Ugandan workers’ rights, including the enforcement of their contractual obligations, unpaid salaries, and benefits.
- Accountability for unethical practices by foreign organizations operating in Uganda under the guise of charity, yet exploiting local communities.
- Immediate payment of salaries owed to the workers since December 2024.
- Investigation into illegal dealings by Mr. Justin Daniel Smith and Mr. Robie in the United States.
The workers concluded their letter by expressing their hope that President Trump, known for his emphasis on justice and fairness, would act to address these grievances and help end the exploitation of vulnerable Ugandans.
“We trust that under your guidance, these injustices can be addressed, and Ugandan workers can receive the justice they deserve,” the letter concluded.
As the workers await a response, this letter serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by African workers in international organizations, where the line between charitable work and exploitation often becomes blurred.
