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.

Today, MISR takes a critical look at how it has been shaped by this legacy, in particular the impact of ‘market forces’ over the past decade. In the face of a growing and pervasive culture of consultancy, MISR recommits itself to its original vocation, social research. It cannot do this alone. To build a sustainable research culture MISR must join hands with others, starting with the different Faculties that contribute to the study of society at Makerere.

We at MISR can only hope that such a commitment will be within our grasp. We invite all those who share this commitment, from near and far, to come and join in this endeavor, whether on the ground or on the web, so we may together forge new if uncertain futures.

In the interest of that joint endeavour and shared reflection, we hope to bring to life a buzz of activities, from internet discussions to printed materials, ranging from working papers to workshops, journals to books. Using methods from the unconventional to the orthodox, we hope to create a market place of ideas, an arena of debate. To borrow a different metaphor from another era, let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend!