Soroti — The Uganda joint Christian Council (UJCC) has stepped in to reconcile the rival camps in Soroti District Council.

Rev. Fr. Jerome Agelu of UJCC chaired a reconciliation meeting on Monday evening in Soroti town. The meeting follows failure by the district council to pass the 2009/10 budget after majority councillors aligned to the opposition FDC boycotted the session.

Rev. Agelu urged the warring parties to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the people. "We should forgive one another and work together to improve the lives of our people," said Rev. Agelu.

The FDC councillors have vowed not to attend any future meetings presided over by speaker Joseph Osoto, claiming he is holding the office illegally. Councillors claim that Mr Osoto insulted them during his defection to NRM.

The councillors, who accuse the speaker of arrogance, are demanding that the next sessions be chaired by his deputy. District chairperson Stephen Ochola says reconciliation will only be possible if Mr Osoto allows his deputy to chair the council. But Mr Osoto insists he will not delegate his deputy to chair council meetings.