Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni yesterday threw his weight behind America's George W. Bush against Iraq.

Addressing journalists at State House in Nakasero after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Mr Walter Kansteiner, President Museveni said America has a right to defend itself against terrorists.

"If the Americans are convinced that (Iraq's President) Saddam (Hussein) is linked to the Al Qaeda network (of Osama bin Laden), then it is within their rights to defend themselves," the President said.

Looking relaxed in a sky-blue shirt and a dark trouser, Mr Museveni said he respects the United Nations Security Council decisions, but also reminded Ugandans about the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the US, in which more than 3,000 people were killed.

The world is preparing for a possible war on Iraq led by the US and Britain.

The war is expected to start next week, according to the Israeli army radio.

The US has demanded that President Saddam should destroy all Iraq's weapons of "mass destruction".

Mr Kansteiner said the US is committed to bringing peace in the Gulf region.

He also said that the US government is keen to help Uganda benefit from the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), with special emphasis on the textiles industry.

He hailed Uganda's achievements in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, adding that Mr Bush's recent announcement of $15bn for the global HIV programme was based on the Ugandan model.

Mr Museveni kicked off the briefing with a remark that, "the position of the Uganda government and the USA is the same on many things and I am happy about that."

He thanked the US government for opening tariff-free markets to Ugandan products.