Determinants for the uptake of takaful insurance in Uganda: an exploratory mixed approach

Abstract

Purpose Takaful insurance is gaining increasing popularity worldwide. However, the takaful industry is relatively new in Uganda and its research is still in embryonic stages. This study aimed at exploring the contextual determinants for the uptake of takaful insurance in Uganda, a minority Muslim country. Design/methodology/approach This study used a sequential exploratory mixed research design using qualitative and quantitative approaches and drawing data from the managers of insurance companies and a section of potential customers of takaful products in Uganda. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to determine the emerging themes, whereas quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings The findings revealed that informational, individual personality and demographic factors influences the customer’s choice to select takaful products in Uganda. The authors concluded that focusing on informational besides, individual personality and demographic factors would enhance the uptake of takaful insurance in a minority Muslim country like Uganda. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to establishing and classifying the contextual determinants of takaful insurance without establishing the degree by which each of the determinants especially informational, demographic and individual personality explains the penetration of takaful insurance. Hence, future studies can examine the causal relationship between each of the three highlighted determinants on the penetration of takaful insurance in the context of minority Muslim countries. Practical implications The study contributes to the insurance industry players and the insurance regulator in understanding the respective customers needs for them to subscribe to takaful products. Originality/value This study presents an opportunity to understand the takaful or Islamic insurance market in Uganda by exploring the factors that can determine the subscription of takaful products in the country.