Tullow in $2.9 billion Uganda deal with Total and CNOOC

LONDON (Reuters) - British-based oil explorer Tullow Oil said on Wednesday it had agreed to sell stakes in its Ugandan operations to French company Total (TOTF.PA) and Chinese group CNOOC (0883.HK) for $2.9 billion (1.8 billion pounds).

Tullow has agreed to sell a 33.3 percent stake in exploration Areas 1, 2 and 3A, around Lake Albert, to each of the companies. Tullow will retain a third share.

Tullow said it would be liable for "certain tax related payments" to Uganda following the transaction.

Tullow brought in Total and CNOOC to help develop the fields. This will involve the construction of a pipeline to the East African coast and other infrastructure.

(Reporting by Tom Bergin; Editing by Dan Lalor)