Historically Ugandans were treated as an inferior people, possibly it is the same today, they were sold like commodities by the Arabs, and slave trade was followed by colonial rule. Ugandans were treated as second class citizens in their own country. The natural resources were plundered and many people were killed in civil wars, which followed colonial rule. These inhuman experiences undermine the dignity and identity of Ugandans. (Narayan 2000: 189). Since then there has been a perception that Ugandans are weak, powerless, voiceless and marginalized.  (Lecture 3:2).    (Once I heard this statement which made me think about our history and its effects, someone had stolen money from European who wanted to invest in Uganda, when the thief was convicted, someone made a comment that the thief shouldn’t be punished because he is not guilty, he just got back what the Europeans took during colonial rule in Uganda.  These are deep issues rooted in the hearts of the poor in Uganda. (Narayan 2000: 279). In fact some Ugandans don’t appreciate aid they look at it as refund of what was plundered during colonial rule.  As Myers explains, there are web of lies that the poor in Uganda have believed about themselves. (Slide: 17).

Uganda’s history is read with pain and shame, Ugandans have forgotten their true vocation, and the distorted social – economic and political systems have not promoted the well-being of the poor.  Uganda’s historical background is marred by a web of lies. (Slide: 33).

Traditional beliefs which discriminates people according to sex, color and tribe and  the capitalistic worldview, which measures person’s worth based on possessions, education and achievement has marred the identity of the poor in Uganda. The truth is that the poor are created in the image of God and their true identity is found in knowing Christ Jesus who reconciled us to Himself. The oppression and injustices recorded in Uganda’s history is by- product of the fall, the broken relationships on different levels (Myers 2011:64). God’s purpose and a person’s identity is found in knowing who Christ is.