President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) Medal to Indian entrepreneur Mr Barot Harshad Maganbhai in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Uganda’s economic and social development.
The medal was conferred during the National Resistance Movement/Alliance (NRM/A) Victory Day celebrations held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, marking a rare honour bestowed on a foreign national for individual service to the country.
Mr Barot is the founder and chairman of Tirupati Development (U) Limited, a company that has played a significant role in Uganda’s real estate and infrastructure landscape.
Born in India on January 3, 1959, he migrated to Uganda in 1993 with limited capital but, through persistence and entrepreneurship, rose to become one of the country’s leading industrialists.
In the official citation, President Museveni noted that Mr Barot’s success was closely linked to the stability and pro-investment economic policies implemented under the NRM government, which have enabled both local and foreign investors to thrive.
Mr Barot’s business interests have largely focused on addressing critical infrastructure gaps, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas. Since 2006, he has championed affordable and environmentally sustainable development models aimed at expanding economic opportunities beyond Kampala’s central business districts.
Among his flagship projects is the Kyebando Business Park, which accommodates more than 200 small and medium-sized enterprises and supports an estimated 2,500 jobs. The project is widely regarded as a national benchmark for SME incubation and inclusive urban development.
He has also partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to establish a Health Centre IV in Adjumani District, improving access to healthcare for both refugee and host communities. In addition, Mr Barot has implemented several government infrastructure projects and pioneered Uganda’s first bio-waste medical treatment facility.
Speaking after receiving the medal, Mr Barot said development should go beyond physical structures to empower people and communities.
“For me, real development is about more than buildings. It is about creating opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs and uplifting communities,” he said.
His social impact is further reflected through the LEELA Foundation, registered in 2019, which provides monthly food assistance to about 300 elderly people in Kampala and neighbouring areas, alongside supporting education, youth empowerment and women-focused initiatives.
“Economic progress is meaningful only when it touches people’s lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Uganda,” Mr Barot added.
The citation praised him for “outstanding service, dedication and contribution to the development of Uganda.” He has previously been recognised as Investor of the Year in 2009 and 2010, and has received awards for exemplary contribution to property development.
Although the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) is traditionally awarded to members of foreign governments, Mr Barot’s recognition underscores the scale of his individual impact on Uganda’s development trajectory.
His journey from immigrant entrepreneur to nationally honoured investor reflects the opportunities created by Uganda’s political stability and highlights the role of cross-cultural collaboration in national development.
