Kampala — The United States has given about US$3m to fight Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in the north.

Thanking the US ambassador, Jimmy Kolker, for the offer in Kampala yesterday, presidency minister Gilbert Bukenya said the US was Uganda's number one development partner.

Bukenya was meeting Kolker at the President's Office.

Bukenya said the money would be used to fight terrorism in the north. Before Bukenya could give details, Kolker interjected, saying it was not necessary to do so.

"What is important is that the partnership between Uganda and the United States shall continue especially in the sectors of peace and security, poverty reduction, trade and economic development and the fight against HIV/Aids," Kolker said.

Bukenya said the US has helped Uganda improve security, trade and the welfare of children, fight the Aids epidemic and defend Uganda internationally.

He said the US was the only country which had given Uganda money to fight terrorism in the north. He said Uganda would reciprocate by supporting the US global war on terrorism.

Asked if Uganda supports the US's plan to attack Iraq, Bukenya said Uganda would only support the Bush administration in the context of the United Nations' resolution on the matter.

Kolker called for continued dialogue between the two countries so as to reinforce the cooperation.

He pledged his country's continued support especially in the fight against terrorism.

On the issue of registration of political parties, Kolker said the United States values the principle of free expression. He said there was need for people to express themselves, adding, however, that he would respond to issues as they unfolded.

Kolker took over office two months ago, replacing Martin Brennan.

Kony has fought the government of President Museveni for 16 years.