By Will Ross BBC, Kampala

The army offensive continues, despite the LRA announcement

After a meeting between a group of religious and cultural leaders and senior rebel commanders, the LRA announced that it is to cease ambushes, stop abductions and stop attacking government soldiers.

Lieutenant General Salim Saleh, who is on the presidential peace team, welcomed the move and said he will soon hold face to face talks with the rebels.

But there is no sign that the military operation against the rebels is ending.

In the northern town of Kitgum which has been hit hard by the insurgency in recent weeks, there is still an element of disbelief.

Attacks continue

Particularly when reports from outlying villages to the east of Kitgum indicate that the LRA has attacked several parishes and abducted over 30 civilians.

We've been here before and failed but we mustn't give up hope Gulu resident

Happening just hours after the ceasefire had been announced, some will put this down as an indication that the LRA is not serious about peace.

Others suggest there is a lack of communication amongst the rebels or even warn that Joseph Kony is not in control of all his commanders.

Army spokesman Major Bantariza told me that on Sunday there had been an ambush by the rebels in Atiak, Gulu District which left one civilian dead.

Major Bantariza said that despite the reports of a ceasefire, the military offensive against the rebels, Operation Iron Fist, is continuing.

Scepticism

Lieutenant General Salim Saleh, who is President Museveni's brother, told me today that he hopes to hold those talks by the end of this week.

He said only then can a decision be made on whether to offer a ceasefire.

The chairman of the government peace team, Uganda's Interior Minister Erya Kategaya has welcomed the ceasefire and said different options are being considered by the peace team including involving the United Nations.

Commenting on the fact that Operation Iron Fist is continuing he told me: "The LRA ceasefire has only just been announced and the Ugandan army's operation is not like a clock that can be stopped immediately."

MP for Gulu Norbert Mao described the ceasefire announcement as a massive breakthrough adding that within a few weeks the peace moves will have reached a point of no return.

Despite some scepticism, people in the north are overwhelmingly hoping that the government seizes the opportunity for peace.

"I am excited but cautious. We've been here before and failed but we mustn't give up hope," said one Gulu resident.