Gunmen attack boat exploring for oil in Uganda killing 1 worker

Gunmen attacked an oil exploration boat in western Uganda early Friday, killing one worker, officials said.

Photo: Gunmen attack boat exploring for oil in Uganda killing 1 worker

Gunmen attack boat exploring for oil in Uganda killing 1 worker

The motive for the attack was unclear, army spokesman Maj. Felix Kulayigye said.

The boat, operated by Canada's Heritage Oil, was being used to conduct seismic surveys on Lake Albert, near the Congo border. A private firm provided security, he said.

The army stepped in when nearby soldiers heard gunfire, Kulayigye said.

Heritage Oil began explorations in Uganda in 1997 and has recently accelerated its activities here after announcing it had found "significant" oil reserves.

Heritage Oil officials were not immediately available for comment. The company also has exploration projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Oman and Iraq.