Uemura was born in Yatsushiro on April 22, 1974. After graduating from Matsunaga High School, he joined J1 League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 1993. The club won the 2nd place in 1994 J1 League and 1995, 1996 and 1999 Emperor's Cup. He played in many matches as defender from his first season, except at times when he was injured.