The Ugandan government has refuted reports that it has denied the asylum request by embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

A statement issued by the state-owned Uganda Media Center on Friday said reports in local tabloids that Gaddafi was denied asylum were false.

"Col. Muammar Gaddafi has not sought asylum from the government of Uganda in the first place. It is therefore wrong for assumptions to be made that Col. Gaddafi has been denied asylum," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said here on Thursday that the country's foreign policy is not hinged around individuals but states.

It said Uganda shall continue to maintain cordial relations with Libya.

The statement also said the East African country is following with keen interest what is happening in the North African country, and particularly the military clashes in the capital Tripoli since Aug. 20.

It said the government will work with the international community to obtain a cessation of hostilities and achieve lasting peace for all Libyan people.

"Uganda will support efforts of the Libyan people towards achieving reconciliation, national dialogue, and an all inclusive transitional period leading to a democratic dispensation that fulfills the aspirations and will of the Libyan people to freely determine their destiny," it said.