[2] Since colonial times, a number of organizations have sought to integrate the region of East Africa.

[3] However, due to political differences and weak participation, the treaty was nullified in 1977, ending the East African Community.

[5] The elected members of the second EALA (2007–12) break down by political party as follows:[5] Margaret Zziwa of Uganda served as the speaker from 2012 to 2014.

[11] According to Article 50 of the East African Community Treaty, members are elected by their respective country's national legislature.

[11] Article 50 also calls upon said members to reflect their country's political parties, opinions, gender composition, and other special groups.

[17] As of 2020, the Assembly has the following seven committees:[17] Since its inauguration, EALA has held several sittings as a Plenary in Arusha, Kampala and Nairobi.

During these sittings, EALA has: The Committees have continuously got briefs from the Secretariat and given advice with regard to progress in the implementation of the Treaty.