The Ugandan army has repulsed another attack by the rebel Lord's Resistance Army.

The attack last night, reportedly by several hundred fighters, is the third within the last 11 days.

The incursion is a further breach of an agreement signed between Uganda and Sudan in early December to end support for rebel groups and is a snub to Uganda's offer of an amnesty to LRA fighters.

The LRA is notorious for the kidnapping of children, their use of child soldiers, and the rape of schoolgirls.

Uganda estimates that there are about 2,000 children in LRA hands and hopes are now fading for an early release of all children held by the LRA.

Broken promises

Two weeks ago the Ugandan foreign minister said he believed all the children would be released within two weeks.

In exchange, Uganda promised to release remaining Sudanese prisoners of war.

But Khartoum has previously failed to meet promises on securing the release of children, and there are fears that this could happen again.

East Africa correspondent Martin Dawes says the LRA is a brutal organisation that seek to impose rules of living based on the biblical Ten Commandments.

The leadership is nevertheless known for cutting off limbs, murdering those who attempt to resist, and raping as they choose.