The current iteration of the East African community took form in 2000 and now includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi as members.
Vasco Martins, in a brief analysis published in May 2011 by the Portuguese Institute of International Relations and Security (IPRIS), makes the point that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is pushing for the creation of a political federation.
While this could lead to a significant political entity, there are many reasons why it may not come to fruition.
You can download a PDF of the brief here.