Look around the world’s most-populated island – it’s smaller than a football pitch & has no running water

A TINY island measuring just half an acre is among the world’s most over-populated.

With no running water, wifi, or even sewage systems, this small piece of land has been at the centre of a tug-a-war between two countries for decades.

AFP or licensorsMigingo Island is located on Lake Victoria, on the border of Uganda and Kenya[/caption]

tiktok/@kieranbrowntravelThe island is one of the most populated in the world, with a density of 65,500 people/km²[/caption]

AFP or licensorsMigingo residents live ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ on the rock of land, which measures just half an acre[/caption]

Migingo Island is located on Lake Victoria, along the border of Kenya and Uganda, and is said to be home to around 500 residents.

The tiny rock is officially part of Kenya, defined by 1926 colonial boundaries, but also had jurisdiction claimed by Uganda in 2004.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were tense, with many referring to the struggle over the island as “Africa’s Smallest War”.

And while the densely populated land is smaller than an average football pitch, it plays home to an industry “worth millions in exports”.

Traval TikToker Kieran Brown recently visited the island, showing over 500,000 viewers around the small village.

“There’s no running water, no sewage, no hospitals,” the influencer explained as he explored the narrow “streets”.

Booming business

But a booming local industry draws many to the extremely cramped lifestyle.

“The waters around Migingo Island are packed with Nile Perch and Nile Perch is worth millions in exports, so controlling Migingo means controlling the money,” the TikToker revealed.

Migingo also has barbers, traders, a pharmacy, a beauty salon, and even a brothel and casino.

However, the fishing industry is the main employer, with “hundreds of fishermen” inhabiting the island.

Decades of conflict

Since 2004, Uganda has begun taxing the fisherman as well as flying its flag on the island.

A 2009 diplomatic agreement, brokered with the presence of Marines, has allowed for co-management between the two nations.

However, the dispute remains politically sensitive to this day, with unclear border enforcement.

As of 2025, a memorandum of understanding between Kenya and Uganda aims to implement joint fishing licences to ease tensions.

Fishing in the area remains highly lucrative, with daily catches worth up to £6,000.

Over 200 boats operate from the island, supplying mainland markets.

And while it can cost you up to £190 to visit, via a two-hour speedboat journey, accomodation on the island proves much cheaper.

With a density population of approximately 65,500 people/km², residents sleep virtually “shoulder-to-shoulder”.

Kieran joked that you can enjoy a “luxury” stay in a “waterfront room” in one of the island’s many “metal shacks” for just £1 a night.

More on unique islands

Sign up to live on this tiny remote island off the UK coast and get paid a staggering £70,000 a year.

And the small island off the coast of Britain that is home to stunning beaches as well as the UK’s most beautiful toilets.

Plus, the tiny European island where the sun doesn’t set for 69 days.

Locals on a tiny island just an hour from London say it is like “being on holiday all year”.

And the world’s “most remote island” that’s 336 miles away from neighbours, and is home to Brits.

AFP or licensorsThere is no running water or sewage systems in place on the island but there are other amenities including a beauty salon and casino[/caption]

AFP or licensorsKenya and Uganda have both claimed ownership of the tiny island, recently coming to an understanding over the booming fishing industry[/caption]

AFP or licensorsMigingo is home to around 500 residents, with most making a living fishing for Nile Perch in the surrounding waters[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]