Fujiwara no Mototsune had held the office of kampaku (or chancellor) in the beginning of Emperor Uda's reign.

Uda's reign is marked by a prolonged struggle to reassert power by the Imperial Family away from the increasing influence of the Fujiwara, beginning with the death of Mototsune in 891.

Records show that shortly thereafter, Emperor Uda assigned scholars Sukeyo and Kiyoyuki, supporters of Mototsune, to provincial posts in the remote provinces of Mutsu and Higo respectively.

Meanwhile, non-Fujiwara officials mainly from the Minamoto family have been promoted to prominent ranks, while his trusted counselor, Sugawara no Michizane, has rapidly risen in rank within five years to reach the third rank in the court, and supervision of the Crown Prince's household.

Meanwhile, Mototsune's son and heir, Fujiwara no Tokihira, rises in rank, but only just enough to prevent an open power struggle.

Beginning in 894, Uda stops the practice of sending ambassadors to China.

The emperor's decision is informed by what he understands as persuasive counsel from Sugawara Michizane.