This study explores the relationship between job engagement (JE) and socially responsible leadership (SRL) in public universities in Uganda, with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety (PS). The research used a quantitative approach, collecting data from 250 public university staff, of which 214 responses were valid. The study employed a five-point Likert scale to measure the variables and used Warp PLS and Smart PLS-SEM for analysis. The findings revealed a positive correlation between JE and SRL, as well as between PS and JE. Moreover, PS was found to mediate the relationship between SRL and JE. The study contributes to the understanding of how SRL and PS influence JE in the education sector, particularly in developing countries. It also highlights the importance of PS in fostering a supportive work environment that enhances JE. The practical implications of the study suggest that promoting SRL and PS can improve university workplace conditions and employee engagement. The study also emphasizes the role of social exchange theory in understanding the dynamics between leadership, PS, and JE. The results indicate that SRL positively affects JE, and PS acts as a mediator in this relationship. The study provides insights into the mechanisms through which SRL influences JE and underscores the significance of PS in creating a psychologically safe environment that supports employee engagement. The findings have implications for leadership development and organizational practices in universities, emphasizing the need for socially responsible leadership and psychological safety to enhance employee engagement and overall organizational success.This study explores the relationship between job engagement (JE) and socially responsible leadership (SRL) in public universities in Uganda, with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety (PS). The research used a quantitative approach, collecting data from 250 public university staff, of which 214 responses were valid. The study employed a five-point Likert scale to measure the variables and used Warp PLS and Smart PLS-SEM for analysis. The findings revealed a positive correlation between JE and SRL, as well as between PS and JE. Moreover, PS was found to mediate the relationship between SRL and JE. The study contributes to the understanding of how SRL and PS influence JE in the education sector, particularly in developing countries. It also highlights the importance of PS in fostering a supportive work environment that enhances JE. The practical implications of the study suggest that promoting SRL and PS can improve university workplace conditions and employee engagement. The study also emphasizes the role of social exchange theory in understanding the dynamics between leadership, PS, and JE. The results indicate that SRL positively affects JE, and PS acts as a mediator in this relationship. The study provides insights into the mechanisms through which SRL influences JE and underscores the significance of PS in creating a psychologically safe environment that supports employee engagement. The findings have implications for leadership development and organizational practices in universities, emphasizing the need for socially responsible leadership and psychological safety to enhance employee engagement and overall organizational success.