How can Uganda's war be stopped?

Some 4,000 people lived in the camp which is now destroyed

The horrific massacre of some 200 refugees in northern Uganda is the latest grim reminder of the misery being inflicted by a brutal 18 year conflict between the government and Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army rebels.

Over the past two decades thousands of children have been forcibly abducted and recruited into the LRA either as fighters or as sex slaves.

Ugandans are growing increasingly frustrated by the government's claims that it is overpowering the LRA.

But is it using the right tactics to end this conflict?

Should the international community intervene as they have in Iraq? Is military force the only way to find peace in this long running war, or is negotiation the way forward?

If you are in the affected areas, send us your experiences.

A selection of your comments will be published below and broadcast on the BBC Focus on Africa programme at 1705 GMT on 28 February.

For a war to have gone on for this long, there must be more to it. How can a bunch of bandits outwit a government army? Who is supplying them with weapons and supplies? These are some of the many questions that need to be answered before we start talking government tactics!
Michael Mukasa, London, UK

First and far most, is it a coincedence that this war has lasted about the same time as the currrent regime. I believe military should be the last option, since its been the option being used and no end in site. It would be ideal for a third party to intervene because there are so many contridicting stories. lastly i thing this conflict can be resolved the roots of the issues are addressed. How many rebel groups have risen in other parts of the country but have been stapped out?
Eve, Miami, FL, USA

I won't believe the government is serious until Iam sure it has tried hiring a mercernary or bounty hunter like one used to kill Savimbi. Just 1 million pounds may do the job in few weeks. Everything else is useless. It is like other means are meant to make individuals rich as many lives are lost. Every ugandan is invaluable with exception of the likes of Kony
Kenda Kotiina, Kabale Uganda

The Government of Mr.Museveni has not got the capacity to end the insurgency. It is only the strong intervention from the world's major powers as happened in Iraq and Afghanistan that could stop it. In the meantime, Mr. Museveni should be preparing to tender his resignation.
wilfred Kusemererwa, Kasese-Uganda

First and foremost, is it a coincidence that this war has lasted for about the same time as the currrent regime? I believe the use of the military should be the last option, because this has been the option pursued so far with no end in sight. It would be ideal for a third party to intervene because there are so many contradicting stories.
Evelyn, Miami, FL, USA

It is quite sad that President Yoweri Museveni cannot accept that the LRA has defeated him. I believe that the international bodies like the UN should mobilise and get dialogue going between the rebels and the government. It¿s a;; so sad because the poor villagers are languishing in pain while Museveni and his elites are living in luxury. Please, Advocate for international intervention in this war because if this war goes on we in Kenya are not safe either.
Daniel Mangale, Mombasa-Kenya

To most of us the LRA is a brutal foolish movement which deserves to be eliminated violently. Although I'm not well schooled as to exactly why they are fighting, HISTORY teaches us that violence will not help anyone, not even the killer himself. Unfortunately, violence will not stop in Africa unless we democratise our systems. Just look at the state of the huts burnt!!!! I think both the Ugandan government and the killers (LRA) would be better people if they directed their energy towards improving their economies. THIS IS HOW AFRICA CAN STOP THESE WARS: Democritise, fight illiteracy, improve economies, equal NO VIOLENCE
Rueben Chinyakata, Zimbabwe

I think President Museveni should consult with West Africa and he would realise that rebels can never be defeated. These are people with no developmental plans. All they are after is the destruction of life and property. Things that you do not need experts, the IMF or the World Bank to see through. African governments do not have the capacity to pursue national development and war at the same time. Please Mr. Museveni help stop the massacre of your people by negotiating with these rebels instead of pursuing war. My heart bleeds each time I hear that your army is in control and then I simultaneously hear that your little angels (boys and girls) have been forcefully removed from their homes or schools by the LRA. Not to mention this recent barbaric act upon your poor displaced people.
Mohamed Bayoh, Nairobi, Kenya

As most of the LRA soldiers are children, a heavy-handed military operation against the LRA would be devastating. What is needed is the cooperation of the Police Force and a tactical force to arrest the leadership of the LRA. It would then fall apart. However, demobilization programmes would be needed to help the children of the LRA reintegrate into society. Joseph Kony should be tried by the new International Criminal Court.
Evan, Canada