By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Mbale city has begun recovering millions of shillings paid in error to pensioners last financial year.
In June 2025, a system glitch led to overpayments of between 10 to 30 million shillings to about ten pensioners, who normally earn 200,000/= per month.
The city is now taking steps to reclaim the excess funds.
The Human Resources office, has been instructed to put deduction codes to pensioners who received excess payments to refund the money. Those who have already spent it are being asked to withdraw from their accounts to repay the amount.
While speaking to our reporter on Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 at her office, Jolly Hasoho, Deputy Town Clerk Mbale city, said her office has instructed the Human Resources department to put a deduction code on the payroll to recover excess payments made to pensioners.
Hasoho, says the City is recovering public funds by deducting 100% of monthly pensions from those who received excess payments. Some pensioners are taking home 0 shillings every month as a result.
Hasoho emphasizes that the city’s actions aren’t punitive, but necessary to recover public funds and ensure accountability. She warns that her office will face scrutiny if the funds aren’t recovered.
She appeals to affected pensioners to remain calm and learn from the experience. She advises them to verify unusual payments with the Town Clerk’s office before withdrawing money.
Some pensioners agree they received extra pay, but say it’s unfair to deduct 100% of their monthly pension as repayment, since it wasn’t their fault.
Last year due to what authorities call a systems error in the IMFS, 1,028 staff members received multiple salaries for June, ranging from two to four months’ pay.
