This study investigates the relationship between innovative work behavior (IWB) and socially responsible leadership (SRL), with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety. Data were collected from 214 employees in Ugandan public universities, and the hypotheses were evaluated using PROCESS Macro and AMOS. The findings indicate that SRL positively influences IWB, and this effect is mediated by psychological safety. The study contributes to the literature by providing novel insights into the relationship between SRL and IWB, particularly in the context of developing nations like Uganda. It highlights the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment to foster innovative work behavior and suggests that socially responsible leadership can play a crucial role in this process. The study also offers practical implications for leaders, emphasizing the need to promote ethical behavior and create a supportive work environment to encourage IWB.This study investigates the relationship between innovative work behavior (IWB) and socially responsible leadership (SRL), with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety. Data were collected from 214 employees in Ugandan public universities, and the hypotheses were evaluated using PROCESS Macro and AMOS. The findings indicate that SRL positively influences IWB, and this effect is mediated by psychological safety. The study contributes to the literature by providing novel insights into the relationship between SRL and IWB, particularly in the context of developing nations like Uganda. It highlights the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment to foster innovative work behavior and suggests that socially responsible leadership can play a crucial role in this process. The study also offers practical implications for leaders, emphasizing the need to promote ethical behavior and create a supportive work environment to encourage IWB.