Reimagining indigenous social work in Uganda: Voices of practitioners

Abstract

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.