Uy was born January 6, 1968, in San Agustin, Romblon. He attended the San Pius X Seminary at Roxas, Capiz, where he completed his philosophical studies, then the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, where he completed his theological studies. He later returned to UST to receive a master's degree in philosophy.[1]
Before being appointed the fifth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lucena in the Philippines, Uy was a priest in the Diocese of Romblon. On July 29, 2017, the Vatican announced the resignation of the former bishop of Lucena, Emilio Z. Marquez, and the appointment of Mel Rey Uy as his successor.[1][2]
In September 2020, Uy led a campaign against the construction of new coal-fired power plants in Quezon Province.[3]