In 1336, his father Norifusa died in a battle at Shijo Gawara in Kyoto when fighting against Yoshitada NITTA and Akiie KITABATAKE of the Southern Court so as to make Takauji flee from Kyoto to the west, in addition, his oldest brother, Norifuji UESUGI died in a battle against Akiie in 1338 in Settsu Province; therefore he had to take over his father's place (Yamanouchi-Uesugi Family).
1336年（建武3年）、父の憲房は尊氏を京から西へ逃がすため京都四条河原で南朝方の北畠顕家・新田義貞と戦って戦死、また長兄の上杉憲藤も1338年（暦応元年）に摂津国で顕家と戦って戦死したため、憲房の跡を憲顕が継ぐところとなった（山内上杉家）。