Food as a human right during disasters in Uganda

•Implementation of relevant constitutional and policy provisions on the right to adequate food and disaster management in Uganda appeared slow.•There is a reality gap since supportive policies and plans are not financed by the national budget in anticipation of external assistance.•Specific legislation to fund and institutionalize disaster preparedness and management capabilities was lacking.•Due to capacity constraints, an approach of humanitarian relief was being entrenched in contradiction to State obligations on the right to adequate food.•Human rights capacity development is paramount.