Son of Uesugi Norimasa, born after his father escaped into Echigo while under pressure from the Late Houjou Clan. His adopted brother Uesugi Kenshin inherited the position of head of the Sannai-Uesugi family.

In the Otate no Ran after Kenshin's death, he backed Uesugi Kagetora along with his father, but may also have been killed enroute to negotiating peace with Uesugi Kagekatsu. There are also sources that imply that his life was spared.