KAMPALA, Uganda, MAY 9 (AP/UNB) - Uganda says fresh allegations by Sudan that Uganda supports anti-Sudan rebels is a tactic to divert attention from Uganda's claim that Sudan is sheltering warlord Joseph Kony.

James Mugume, permanent secretary at Uganda's Foreign Affairs Ministry, said Wednesday a formal complaint was made this week by the Sudanese embassy in Uganda.

Mugume said he asked Sudanese diplomats to bring proof and to form a joint committee with Uganda to investigate the allegation.

Ugandan army spokesman Col. Felix Kulayigye said Khartoum's counterclaim is intended to diminish the seriousness of the claim that Sudan is sheltering Kony.

Uganda and Sudan have long had a difficult relationship stemming from Kampala's open support for the rebel movement that supported independence for South Sudan.