A woman collapsed and died during a campaign rally for a ruling party parliamentary aspirant in southwestern Uganda, police confirmed on Monday, just days before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

The incident occurred last evening at Mubuhinga Trading Centre in Rubanda District, where Rubanda East parliamentary hopeful Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema was addressing supporters.

The victim was identified as Peace Zikanga, a resident of Rwenkunguru Village in Kibuzigye Parish, Bubaare Sub-county.

According to local leaders, the 51-year-old woman collapsed after dancing enthusiastically during the rally.

“Out of excitement, she danced, began sweating heavily, collapsed and died instantly,” said Francis Kibedda, the Local Council I chairperson of Rwaruganbwa in Hamuhambo Town Council.

Police ruled out foul play, citing eyewitness accounts from family and community members present at the rally.

“It is true she died at the rally. She danced, collapsed, and passed on. Nobody tampered with her,” said Rubanda District Police Commander Abel Barugahare.

“Her family members and relatives who were there witnessed everything and took the body home for burial preparations,” he added.

Zikanga’s body was taken back to her home by relatives and residents shortly after the incident. Community leaders said burial arrangements were already underway.

Despite the tragedy, Biryabarema’s campaign team reportedly continued to their next scheduled rally in Hamuhambo Town Council.

Police urged political supporters to maintain caution during heated campaign activities and to be mindful of their physical health, especially in crowded and energetic settings.

“I have always advised residents to support their candidates responsibly. It’s unnecessary to push oneself beyond limits,” said Commander Barugahare.

“We encourage political participation, but people must also safeguard their well-being,” he noted.

The NRM is expected to hold its nationwide internal elections on July 17 to select parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 general polls. The ruling party’s primaries are often highly charged, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic displays of support.

While Zikanga's case is quite different, more than five campaign-linked deaths have been reported in different parts of Uganda during the build-up to Thursday's vote.