President Museveni has awarded Indian-born investor Barot Harshad Maganbhai, founder of Tirupati Development (U) Limited, Uganda's Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) in recognition of decades of investment that have expanded SME infrastructure, created jobs, and supported community development across the country.
President Museveni conferred the national honour on Mr. Barot during the 40th NRM/A Liberation Day celebrations held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala under the theme "Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in a Fundamental Change."
"I came to Uganda with a dream and a modest capital. Today, this recognition shows what determination, vision, and the right environment can achieve," Mr Barot said. He added that the award was not solely personal.
"This honour is not just mine. It belongs to every entrepreneur, worker, and community member who has shared this journey of development with me."
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
The Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) is among Uganda's highest national honours and is awarded by the President to foreign nationals whose work has made a significant contribution to the country's development.
Born on January 3, 1959, in India, Mr. Barot arrived in Uganda in 1993 with capital of USD 150. He began his entrepreneurial journey as a door-to-door hawker, selling household items while familiarising himself with Uganda's markets and communities.
Over time, his resilience and business acumen propelled him into the ranks of Uganda's leading investors.
According to the official citation, his growth was enabled by the peace, stability, and supportive investment climate fostered under the NRM government, demonstrating how national stability can translate individual ambition into broad-based economic empowerment.
A turning point came in 2006 when Mr Barot identified a shortage of eco-friendly, affordable infrastructure for both public and private sector use, particularly among small and medium enterprises.
He recognised that rural and peri-urban communities required cost-effective commercial platforms to grow businesses, generate employment, and stimulate local economies.
Guided by this insight, he focused on decongesting urban centres by promoting development in rural and peri-urban areas.
His projects prioritised affordable commercial and housing spaces for SMEs, driving growth in employment, trade, and community development.
"Uganda's development depends on bold ideas, collaboration, and inclusive growth. I am committed to continuing to invest in projects that empower SMEs, create jobs, and strengthen communities," Mr. Barot said.
Mr Barot has since emerged as a prominent figure in Uganda's real estate sector, delivering large-scale developments including commercial malls, housing estates, SME business parks, and government infrastructure.
Among his flagship projects is Kyebando Business Park along the Northern Bypass, which accommodates more than 200 SMEs and supports over 2,500 jobs, providing affordable, well-planned business space for entrepreneurs
His contributions also extend to public service infrastructure. He played a role in the construction of a Health Centre IV in Adjumani, implemented in partnership with UNHCR, improving healthcare access for both host communities and refugees in northern Uganda.
His work has earned him several accolades, including Uganda Investment Authority Investor of the Year in 2009 for innovative real estate development, Investor of the Year in 2010 for pioneering Uganda's first bio-waste medical facility, and an award for exemplary contribution to property development.
Beyond business, Mr. Barot is the founder of the LEELA Foundation, which was formally registered in Uganda on June 11, 2019, following more than a decade of informal international operations.
The foundation supports vulnerable communities in Kampala, Kawempe, and other areas, providing monthly food assistance to more than 300 elderly individuals, alongside education sponsorships and empowerment programmes for youth and women.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"Economic progress is meaningful only when it touches people's lives. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Uganda," Mr Barot said.
According to a citation prepared by the Office of the President, Chancery and the Presidential Awards Committee, Mr Barot's leadership has delivered landmark infrastructure, created thousands of jobs, empowered entrepreneurs, revitalised communities, and introduced innovative sustainability solutions.
In line with the National Honours and Awards Act, Cap. 173, President Museveni formally conferred the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) on Mr. Barot Harshad Maganbhai on January 26, 2026.
Tony Mulambe, correlation principal assistant secretary in the Chancery Department, said ahead of the celebrations that medal recipients are selected based on outstanding service at national, regional, and global levels.
