The embattled research fellow who was working at Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Dr Stella Nyanzi has landed on a new job in South Africa.

Nyanzi, who was found guilty of misconduct at MISR after she stripped naked to reclaim her office, something that saw her make headlines for weeks in Ugandan media, told journalism.mak.ac.ug in a Facebook message that she doubts whether she will ever return to Makerere, now that she has landed on greener pastures.

"I am very excited about starting my Research fellowship at Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies. It is great to join an academic space that values the role of research and researchers in Africa. I am. grateful to resume and plunge into producing academi research knowledge without any encumbrances. I was born to do research," she said.

Since the appointments committee of Makerere University is still discussing the recommendations that were forwarded by the investigations committee in regards  to the appropriate measure that should be taken against her, Dr Nyanzi said that all the institution's management is doing is a waste of time because she is no longer their employee.

"Makerere University will be fine. Can you imagine they still have not decided about what to do with me? I am happy to resume my research and writing in a space that appreciates what I do," she added.

Asked whether she will miss being at the 7th best univeristy in Africa, as ranked by the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) recently, and if she has any grudges against the institution, Nyanzi replied: "Makerere trained me for my Bachelor's degree. I think that I gave back to Makerere. I am now going ahead with my research and publishing... I can be a better comrade when I am doing what I do best: research and publishing."

On April 18, Dr Nyanzi sprotested being locked of her office at MISR by Prof Mahmood Mamdani, the director of the institute. It was after this unfortunate incident that an investigations committee chaired by Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki, the assistant commissioner HRM policies and procedures in the Ministry of Public service was put in place to probe into the matter.

The committee members, after a month of investigations, handed over their report to the chairman Makerere University appointments board, Bruce Kabaasa, on June 6. In the report, several recommendations were made including taking a disciplinary action like demotion, indefinite suspension, stand warning, against Nyanzi for defying to teach at a PhD programme at MISR, and minscondct by stripping naked.

The appointments committee has since then been discussing the recommendations, and, as Nyanzi stated, has not yet decided on which measures to take against the research fellow.

tusiime.chris20@gmail.com