The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, U.S., November 22, 2019. Picture taken November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant

KAMPALA, July 9 (Reuters) – The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is seeking a joint venture partner to help operate an exploration block in Uganda’s west, the firm’s spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Ugandan state-owned firm acquired the 1,285-square-kilometre Kasuruban exploration block in 2023 after signing a production sharing agreement (PSA) with the government.