Uganda, April 13 -- Parliament has commenced debates on ministerial policy statements for the financial year 2024/2025. Among those to be discussed in the next few days is one for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is, however, important that Parliament emphasises the need to improve the pay and working conditions of our diplomats. The wording of the ministry's policy statement falls short of telling it as it is.

"Inadequate foreign service allowance and education allowance of children of foreign service officers rendering officers unable to cope with the rising cost of living in the host countries," it stated in parts. The actual figures are, however, worrying.

Heads of missions and their deputies earn salaries ranging between Shs1,6...