Migingo Island, which is barely 2,000 square metres in size, is home to 1,000 people and is located on the border between Kenya and Uganda
Migingo Island, a tiny spit of land barely half an acre in size, is bustling with life as over 1,000 residents cram onto one of the world’s most densely populated patches. Wedged on the northeastern fringes of Lake Victoria, straddling the border between Uganda and Kenya, Migingo has been at the heart of a tug-of-war for decades, with both nations laying claim to the minuscule territory.
Despite joint administration by the two countries, the island is so contentious it’s earned the nickname Africa’s “smallest war” among the locals. This is due to the spikes in cross-border friction. A young fisherman once confided to AFP about the underlying tensions, even though day-to-day life generally proceeds without incident.
A recent visitor to this packed paradise was Joe Hattab, a Dubai-based filmmaker, who navigated the challenging waters by boat to capture the essence of Migingo in a short film. During his visit, Hattab noted the communal harmony among Kenyans and Ugandans “hanging out together”.
Originally just a dot in the lake, Migingo bloomed into a prime fishing hub when several fishermen, searching for the bountiful Nile perch pitched their nets there. This exploration was driven by the decline of fish stock in Lake Victoria, which profoundly impacted the coastal communities of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
What began as an untouched islet soon morphed into a hotspot teeming with fishermen from across East Africa – including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – all seeking a share of Migingo’s aquatic riches.
Nile perch from the waters around Migingo, once a local favourite, have now become a hot commodity in upscale British and French eateries, further enticing fishermen to the island. Hattab commented how the price of the fish had soared by “50 percent in recent years and is estimated at $300 (£237) per kilogram in international markets”.
The tiny island is densely packed with a patchwork of corrugated iron dwellings, shaped by the land’s natural undulations. Migingo boasts an array of amenities including four bars, a hair salon, and even a brothel.
It’s also equipped with its own police force and a small clinic where a nurse addresses minor ailments; however, residents must head to the Kenyan mainland for more serious health concerns.