KAMPALA, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda on Friday met the Chinese community in the capital of Kampala and wished them a happy Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival.

Rugunda met the Chinese community who had paid a call on him to appreciate government's provision of security when robbers were attacking the Chinese business people late last year. He wished the Chinese government and people a happy Chinese New Year.

The Chinese community performed lion dance and waist drum, Chinese folk dances widely performed during the Spring Festival, which falls on Tuesday this year.

Rugunda said China continues to help Africa gain its economic independence by investing in various projects like roads and power plants that can foster fast track development.

He said the Africa-China relationship is historical, noting that the Asian country was instrumental in helping Africa get its political independence from colonial powers.

Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang thanked President Yoweri Museveni for meeting the Chinese community in November last year when they had security concerns.

He said the deployment of police and soldiers in Chinese industrial parks and enterprises has stopped robberies.