Using thematic analysis, this study examined social workers’ (n = 21) descriptions of what Indigenised social work practice in Uganda entails. Responses from semi-structured interviews revealed the following three themes that inform social workers’ understanding of Indigenised social work practice: (1) collective action and mutuality, (2) communal welfare and respect for life and (3) liberation and restoration. The discussion aims at understanding the hallmarks of each description in relation to the notions of Indigenised social work as culturally inclusive and responsive practice, developmental social work and political action. © The Author(s) 2022.