diff --git a/src/uart.cpp b/src/uart.cpp
index c4af638..c092d61 100644
--- a/src/uart.cpp
+++ b/src/uart.cpp
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ void uartInit() {
   P1SEL = BIT1 + BIT2;
   P1SEL2 = BIT1 + BIT2;
 
+  UCA0CTL0 |= UCPEN | UCPAR; // even parity
   UCA0CTL1 |= UCSSEL0; // ACLK
 
   UCA0BR0 = 13;