Kampala — THE US ambassador to Uganda, Jimmy Kolker, has hailed the Uganda government for supporting the US war against Iraq.

"The US government is pleased with the government of Uganda for supporting them on the war against the Iraq government," said Kolker.

He was on Tuesday addressing students of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono in the multi-purpose hall.

Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo, state minister for internal affairs Sarah Kiyingi and UCU vice-chancellor Prof. Stephen Noll were present.

The Cabinet on Monday issued a statement justifying the position of Government on the Iraq war.

Kolker said the US government was fighting Saddam Hussein to restore peace and justice in Iraq.

He said although war was not the best solution to conflicts, the one in Iraq was justifiable.

"After the bombing of the twin towers (World Trade Centre) in New York last year, Americans were dump-struck and did not know what to do next," he said.

Kolker said the war on global terrorism and violence will take a long time and that we need to pray for peace and to fortify each other as brothers.