As part of the wider global effort to ‘liberate’ women from historically and culturally rooted social injustices, Uganda in 1997 enacted a law in which one-third of every local government (LG) council is reserved for female representatives. This move increased the number of elected female representatives in LG councils and promised to eliminate the hitherto male-dominated spaces of decision-making. Given its two decades of implementation, we examine the extent to which this initiative in Uganda has influenced gender inclusion in democratic decision-making processes and the contextual factors influencing its effectiveness. Data was collected from six LG units in western Uganda using mixed methods. Results revealed a 2:1 male-to- female ratio of representation, indicative of a positive step, but LG Council deliberations remain largely gender- neutral. Without affirmative action, LGs in Uganda would almost obviously be male-dominated. We conclude that female quotas for LG councils provide a space that could be more extensively used to address gender imbalances. Actions beyond filling the female quota, such as regular community dialogues and sensitisation on the mandate of their representatives have been given less attention. Yet, these remain critical demand- side imperatives for gender inclusiveness, representation, empowerment, and voice.