Uganda says it's hoping for a diplomatic solution following an outbreak of fighting between Ugandan and Rwandan troops stationed in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Ugandan Foreign Minister, Eriya Kategaya, told the BBC he hoped for a return to rationality in the relationship.

Mortar and artillery fire continued into the night following clashes between Ugandan and Rwandan troops, who are backing rival rebel factions in the eastern Congolese town of Kisangani.

The Vice-president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, is due to meet the Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, later today.

A senior American envoy Gayle Smith has also been sent to the region to try to defuse the situation. Last month the leaders of of Rwanda and Uganda signed a peace agreement with President of Congo Laurent Kabila but the rebels have failed to agree on who to sign on their behalf.