Child sacrifice is disturbingly commonplace in Uganda. Despite various efforts to combat this scourge, Ugandan children continue to suffer and die. The social, religious, economic and cultural roots that sustain child sacrifice in Uganda run deep. Engaging the challenge of eliminating child sacrifice requires a multi-layered assessment of the problem.

In this paper, we suggest four typologies whereby the culture of external aid and assistance generates problems within the Ugandan context. The paper is structured according to each of these four typologies. The first section addresses the negative psychology and behavior that appears within a recipient culture.

Secondly, we observe complications associated with the promotion of “pro-poor” economic models relating to land law and access to debt funding. The negative aspects of programmatic reconciliation form the focus of the third part, while the fourth critiques the use of Western style equality-based rights advocacy to champion women’s rights. Each section concludes with Biblically grounded recommendations for a path forward.

Little is known about the interaction of customary law and disability rights. This research based on a case study in Uganda offers a window into how a customary legal frameworks can impact the status, rights and treatment of persons with disabilities. Dr Dennison highlights the particular importance of cultural beliefs and attitudes about the capacity and functionality of persons with disabilities in informal legal settings. This is true in the Eastern African context of the Mukono District, in the Central Region of Uganda, but also more widely on the whole African continent. The work concludes by outlining practical change strategies for those seeking to improve the status, rights and treatment of persons with disabilities in settings where customary law plays an influential and effectual role.