The Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) has had a proud existence since its establishment in 1948. The secret of this pride has been its ability to change with the times, at times to muster the courage to defy scholarly convention, often to be at the cutting edge of change at Makerere.
Established as more or less the research arm of the colonial state, MISR was led by illustrious anthropologists (Audrey I. Richards, Lloyd Fallers) who saw themselves as giving voice to ‘native peoples’ inside an otherwise hostile colonial establishment. On the morrow of independence, MISR was fortunate to be steered by young nationalist scholars (Ali Mazrui, Victor Uchendu, Yash Tandon) who saw themselves both as pioneers of an emancipatory nationalist scholarship and as critics of nationalism’s anti-liberal tendencies, especially when these tended to undermine the autonomy of the scholar. When the times were difficult, MISR found prudent directors (Samwiri Karugire, Dan Mudoola) who understood that the most important goal under the circumstances may be survival. When MISR and Makerere came under severe pressure from those who shelter under the banner of ‘market forces’, MISR found a director (Nakanyike Musisi) who endeavoured to turn the situation to institutional advantage.
In line with the collegiate system, MISR is an Institute under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).
Please visit the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) website here