The move is likely to be perceived as an attempt to reaffirm the government's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the 20-year northern conflict that has left tens of thousands of people dead and over 1.4 million people homeless.

Local media disclosed on Thursday that Museveni made the announcement while meeting local leaders and on a local radio where he was scheduled to debate with Vincent Otti, the second in command of the LRA on the conflict in the region.

"I am going to attend the talks, myself," Museveni said. "I am going to lead the government team in the negotiations in Juba. I am tired of ringing Dr. Rugunda and Rugunda ringing rebel leaders Joseph Kony and Vincent Otti. I want to be there myself."

Ruhakana Rugunda, who is also the country’s minister of internal affairs, currently heads the government delegation.

Museveni said some of the demands made in the talks are unrealistic and that the LRA delegation, which is dominated by people in the diasporas, is misleading the rebel leadership.

While it is still not clear when Museveni heads to the negotiation table in Juba, southern Sudan, and initial reports indicated that the government delegation leaves for Juba on Thursday.

Museveni's appearance in Juba would be the most significant confidence-building initiative so far since the talks started on July 14.

It is unlikely that Kony and Otti, who prefer to talk through their delegates, would reciprocate such a presidential gesture. The rebel leaders have vehemently rejected calls to attend the talks in person, citing security reasons.

Kony, Otti and three other top commanders of the LRA are wanted by the International Criminal Court to answer for the war crimes and crimes against humanity, charges that seen as a block to the on-going peace talks to end one of Africa's longest conflicts.