Kampala:– In a historic ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni conferred the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) upon Mr. Barot Harshad Maganbhai, the Chairman of Tirupati Development (U) Limited, recognising his exceptional contribution to Uganda’s national development. The award was presented during the NRM/A Victory Day Celebrations.

The Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) is the highest honour awarded by the President to foreign nationals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Uganda’s development agenda.

Mr. Barot arrived in Uganda in 1993 with a capital of USD 150, selling household items door-to-door. Through resilience, hard work, and entrepreneurial vision, he steadily transformed into one of Uganda’s most influential and respected business leaders.

His success has been made possible by the peace, stability, and investor-friendly environment fostered under the leadership of the NRM Government and President Museveni. Mr. Barot’s story is a testament to how personal ambition, coupled with national stability, can translate into meaningful economic empowerment.
Transforming Uganda’s SME Landscape.

In 2006, driven by a deep understanding of Uganda’s development needs, Mr. Barot responded to the demand for eco-friendly, affordable, and accessible infrastructure for both the public and private sectors, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He recognized that rural and peri-urban communities required more than buildings—they needed cost-effective platforms to grow businesses, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.

Through innovative real estate development, Mr. Barot has focused on decongesting urban centres by developing rural areas, providing SMEs with affordable housing and commercial spaces, and catalysing wider growth in employment, trade, and community development. At the heart of his mission is a belief that dreams must be transformed into reality through quality, trust, and inclusive development.

Some of Mr. Barot’s landmark projects include: Kyebando Business Park, located along the Northern Bypass, now a national benchmark for modern SME development, hosting over 200 SMEs and supporting more than 2,500 jobs; Health Centre IV in Adjumani, developed in partnership with UNHCR’ and multiple commercial malls, housing estates, and other government infrastructure projects across the country.

Recognitions and Awards

Mr. Barot’s remarkable contributions have earned him several accolades including Investor of the Year 2009 (UIA) – for innovative real estate development; Investor of the Year 2010 – for pioneering Uganda’s first bio-waste medical facility; and award for Exemplary Contribution to Property Development

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Beyond business, Mr. Barot has demonstrated a strong commitment to community development through the LEELA Foundation, formally registered in Uganda on 11th June 2019 after more than a decade of informal international operations.

The foundation supports vulnerable communities in Kampala, and surrounding areas, providing monthly food supplies to over 300 elderly individuals, educational sponsorships for children and youth. And empowerment programs for women and young entrepreneurs.

Through his leadership, Uganda has gained landmark infrastructure, thousands of jobs, empowered entrepreneurs, revitalized communities, and innovative sustainability solutions. Mr. Barot’s contributions go beyond investment; they embody a vision for a prosperous and inclusive Uganda.

Conferment of the Honour

In line with Cap. 173 of the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001 (as amended), President Museveni, on 26th January 2026, conferred Mr. Barot with the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) for his outstanding service, dedication, and transformative contribution to the development of Uganda.